Community

Sean and Sara Tintle (center, behind bow) with Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (sunglasses) celebrate the official ribbon cutting for Set the Stage, their new business venture off Scott Road in eastern Putnam County.

Sean and Sara Tintle (center, behind bow) with Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (sunglasses) celebrate the official ribbon cutting for Set the Stage, their new business venture off Scott Road in eastern Putnam County.

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Set the Stage here to help sell Lake Country

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Another new business has opened in Putnam County, officially marked by an Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 12 for Set the Stage at 108 Scott Oak Dr., Eatonton.
A wide range of Corvettes and other specialty cars were on display during the 2025 Lake Oconee BBQ & Music Fest. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

A wide range of Corvettes and other specialty cars were on display during the 2025 Lake Oconee BBQ & Music Fest. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

BBQ & Music Fest a summer success

Leigh Lofgren
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
The third annual Lake Oconee BBQ & Music Fest was held at the Pecan Grove at the Farm on Oconee. With clear skies and perfect conditions, more than 1,500 people enjoyed great food and heard some of the best music from Tim Cardiere and Tailgate, as well as Scott Deering and Fiddle in the Band.
Plans are in progress to restore the historical Wards Chapel AME Church on Wards Chapel Road. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Plans are in progress to restore the historical Wards Chapel AME Church on Wards Chapel Road. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Preservation efforts of historic church resumes

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
If walls could talk, the ones of the historical Wards Chapel AME Church in northeastern Putnam County would probably tell great stories of struggles and victories, faith and hope, tears and laughter, prayer and song. These days, those walls would also be asking for help.
Dr. Willie Oliver congratulated (l-r) Putnam County High School graduates Regina Aspen, Makayla Todd, and Lauren Oliver as recipients of his $1,000 Most Valuable Smiles scholarships, as each will begin attending various universities this year. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Dr. Willie Oliver congratulated (l-r) Putnam County High School graduates Regina Aspen, Makayla Todd, and Lauren Oliver as recipients of his $1,000 Most Valuable Smiles scholarships, as each will begin attending various universities this year. IAN TOCHER/Staff

MVS provides scholarships to PCHS grads

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Dr. Willie Oliver of Most Valuable Smiles in downtown Eatonton said he was inspired in 2023 to begin awarding $1,000 scholarships to Putnam County High School students interested in pursuing careers in the medical or dental field.
Dr. Greg DeLoach and his class “Dementia, Disabilities and Differences” of Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta toured the local Central State Hospital Museum and discussed mental health history and present-day care with Seeking Asylum founder and museum curator Jessica Whitehead (red shirt, front row). CONTRIBUTED

Dr. Greg DeLoach and his class “Dementia, Disabilities and Differences” of Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta toured the local Central State Hospital Museum and discussed mental health history and present-day care with Seeking Asylum founder and museum curator Jessica Whitehead (red shirt, front row). CONTRIBUTED

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Former local teaches students about mental health

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
During the spring semester, Dr. Greg DeLoach and his class, “Dementia, Disabilities and Differences,” from Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology in Atlanta, visited Milledgeville’s Central State Hospital Museum.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors has helped repair more than 250 homes among other projects. CONTRIBUTED

Neighbors Helping Neighbors has helped repair more than 250 homes among other projects. CONTRIBUTED

Neighbors Helping Neighbors turns five

News Staff
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a 501(C)3 non-profit serving Greene and Putnam counties, celebrated its fifth anniversary June 4 with a ‘Picnic With Purpose.’ Despite heavy rain throughout the day, many donors, volunteers, members, and prospective members attended the event.
Executive Director Bryce Trotter received the 2025 Dairy Award on behalf of Georgia Milk Producers Inc. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Executive Director Bryce Trotter received the 2025 Dairy Award on behalf of Georgia Milk Producers Inc. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Dairy Festival delivers again for Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Since the inaugural event in 1953, the Pilot Club of Eatonton has been presenting the annual Dairy Festival, held each June to officially commemorate Dairy Month.
Ronda Rich/Columnist

Ronda Rich/Columnist

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Rich: Brent’s extraordinary father

Ronda Rich
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Brent’s birth, when he joined his sister, Laurie, and brother, Jay, on an Autumn day, was joyous.Brent, looking straight into his mother’s eyes, smiled with an abundance of sweetness. He was happy to meet the world that he would be his new home.
The Georgia Writers Museum invites everyone to stop by the downtown Eatonton Museum on Walk-in Wednesdays, beginning June 11. CONTRIBUTED

The Georgia Writers Museum invites everyone to stop by the downtown Eatonton Museum on Walk-in Wednesdays, beginning June 11. CONTRIBUTED

Georgia Writers Museum introduces ‘Walk-in Wednesdays’

News Staff
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Georgia Writers Museum invites everyone to stop by the downtown Eatonton Museum on Walk-in Wednesdays, beginning June 11 and scheduled to continue until the highly anticipated reopening of Sylvia’s Coffee Shop, once its operators return from an unavoidable absence.
Club President Martha Franks, Henry Esau, Kara El-Kadi, Michelle Hernandez Araugo, and Donna O’Neal. CONTRIBUTED

Club President Martha Franks, Henry Esau, Kara El-Kadi, Michelle Hernandez Araugo, and Donna O’Neal. CONTRIBUTED

Rotary announces winners for Georgia Laws of Life contest

News Staff
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
The Georgia Laws of Life Essay Contest, a signature program of Rotary Clubs across Georgia, is a character education and ethical literacy program for Georgia high school students. It provides students with an opportunity for personal reflection and character development.
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