Community

In addition to several lead and secondary roles, the Broadway Intensive production of Shrek the Musical includes many supporting-cast opportunities for local actors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

In addition to several lead and secondary roles, the Broadway Intensive production of Shrek the Musical includes many supporting-cast opportunities for local actors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Broadway-caliber ‘Shrek’ impresses at The Plaza

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
In one of the venue’s most ambitious productions to date, The Plaza Arts Center’s Broadway Intensive production of Shrek the Musical proves that community theater can deliver professional-level dancing and singing, elaborate staging, and impressive technical work.Presented through a partnership...
The event will take place at First Methodist Church Greensboro - Lake Oconee, 202 West Broad St. in downtown Greensboro. CONTRIBUTED

The event will take place at First Methodist Church Greensboro - Lake Oconee, 202 West Broad St. in downtown Greensboro. CONTRIBUTED

Food distribution set Saturday

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Second Harvest will host its monthly food distribution on Saturday, June 18, from 8-9 a.m., or until supplies run out.
The young cast of “Shrek The Musical” is looking forward to performing over a two-weekend run at The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

The young cast of “Shrek The Musical” is looking forward to performing over a two-weekend run at The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

‘Shrek The Musical’ bringing big laughs to The Plaza

News Staff
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
Get ready for a swampload of fun as Shrek The Musical comes to life this week, on stage at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.A beloved, family-friendly production, Shrek The Musical invites audiences of all ages to journey into a hilarious fairy tale where ogres are heroes, donkeys talk, and true...
Artist Pat DeVane Burns (center) accepted the blue ribbon, signifying her first-place finish in the 10th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show, from show judge Brenda Pinnick (left) and event co-chair Cathy McIntire.

Artist Pat DeVane Burns (center) accepted the blue ribbon, signifying her first-place finish in the 10th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show, from show judge Brenda Pinnick (left) and event co-chair Cathy McIntire.

Major milestone for juried art show

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Lake Country Juried Art Show celebrated a decade of showcasing regional artistic talent June 25 as artists, patrons, and supporters gathered at Barrel 118 in Eatonton for a reception and presentation of awards hosted by The Artisans Village.The 10th annual show proved to be exceptional in the...
Ian Tocher/Staff

Ian Tocher/Staff

Eatonton celebrates Juneteenth

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Big smiles and good times were the order of the day Saturday as Eatonton celebrated Juneteenth in style with a morning parade through downtown, followed by a community festival featuring music, vendors, and delicious food on the Butler-Baker School grounds along Alice Walker Boulevard.Eatonton...
Putnam County Board of Education Superintendent Derick Austin recognized the Superintendent’s Students of the Month for May, including (l-r) Gerard Garcia Ortiz, Kenzie Nelson, Lila Langford, and Trinity Martin. ALIVIA BLANTON /Staff

Putnam County Board of Education Superintendent Derick Austin recognized the Superintendent’s Students of the Month for May, including (l-r) Gerard Garcia Ortiz, Kenzie Nelson, Lila Langford, and Trinity Martin. ALIVIA BLANTON /Staff

Board of Education reviews FY27 budget

Alivia Blanton
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Putnam County Board of Education reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a combined work session and regular meeting on June 15.The board also approved construction-related projects, software purchases and personnel recommendations, while discussing future facilities plans.Much of...
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Allyn Rippin (center) accepts a donation from Surcheros owner Kyle Cullars, with several Surcheros employees standing by in support. CONTRIBUTED

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Allyn Rippin (center) accepts a donation from Surcheros owner Kyle Cullars, with several Surcheros employees standing by in support. CONTRIBUTED

Surcheros supports Neighbors Helping Neighbors

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Just weeks after opening its doors, Surcheros Fresh Mex at Lake Oconee is already making an impact beyond the dining table.As part of its grand opening celebration, Surcheros donated $1,100 from its Community Day and opening week sales to Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN, nhnga.org), helping to...
Brer Rabbit, Joel Chandler Harris’ most famous character, stands watch over the unique Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Brer Rabbit, Joel Chandler Harris’ most famous character, stands watch over the unique Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Uncle Remus Museum to offer free admission

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Eatonton’s world-famous Uncle Remus Museum will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence by offering free admission and storytelling on July 3.The museum dedicated to the life and times of Uncle Remus author Joel Chandler Harris, who grew up in...
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

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but co-owner David Hodge said the journey to opening the handcrafted ice cream shop began years before the first scoop was served.“I just love ice cream — with a passion,” Hodge declared May 28, shortly after an official ribbon...
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)

Eatonton dentist expands healthcare scholarship program

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
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.
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