Rivian Automotive announced May 2 that the State of Illinois offered an $827 million incentive package to expand its electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, to produce its new mid-sized SUV line, known as the R2.

State Sen. Rick Williams of Milledgeville has opposition in the May 21 Republican Primary who is advocating legislation that he believes he could never support.

Members of the Leadership Putnam Class of 2023-24 officially met one last time April 24 for a graduation ceremony at Rock Eagle. Following a six-month program that saw the group visit approximately two-dozen businesses and organizations throughout the county and put together several distinct charity events – including a turkey giveaway last Thanksgiving, gift cards at Christmas, and a golf tournament this spring that funded a free community Easter egg hunt – the ceremony put a fitting cap on a wideranging experience.

The Putnam Development Authority (PDA) board of directors held a working lunch and strategy session last Tuesday at Cuscowilla to discuss current projects and plans for the future.The board also recognized the need to ensure the PDA communicates its mission effectively to county residents and investors.

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The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation (GTHP) will showcase the rich history and architecture of Eatonton Aug. 17, during the GTHP Expedition. This event will offer visitors and residents alike a rare opportunity to tour more than 20 of the city’s most historic homes and sites during a day-long, self-guided tour.

Despite the threat of rain, many hungry people took to the fields of The Farm last Saturday for the 2nd annual BBQ Festival to benefit the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro. John Padjen, owner, chef, and operator of Dough Daddy Dough, chaired this event with co-chairs Jennifer Philips and Bill Graden, hoping to raise $50,000 for the Boys and Girls Club while providing the local community an opportunity to meet vendors and visit a great place to enjoy.

Early voting for several local and state political positions is available now in Putnam County, as it began April 29 and continues through May 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One of the largest crowds in recent memory packed the grounds of Eatonton’s City Center Stage on Saturday as the 3rd annual “Peg Leg” Howell BBQ & Blues Festival presented nonstop music, dancing, and fire-born dining all day long and well into the night.

Gov. Brian Kemp signed what he called an “historic” $36.1 billion state budget Tuesday containing healthy raises for state employees and public school teachers.