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Eatonton council approves $9.94 million budget

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Eatonton City Council met Monday night and approved a $9.94 million budget for the coming fiscal year. Additionally, the council approved a final plat for an 85-unit townhome development among several other project- related measures.The 2027 fiscal year budget, which runs Sept. 1 through Aug.
Whitney Barfield of St. Mary’s-Athens (left) addressed a group of Putnam County and Eatonton-based first responders last Wednesday on how to treat stroke victims upon arrival at an emergency call. CONTRIBUTED

Whitney Barfield of St. Mary’s-Athens (left) addressed a group of Putnam County and Eatonton-based first responders last Wednesday on how to treat stroke victims upon arrival at an emergency call. CONTRIBUTED

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Putnam personnel receive St. Mary’s Athens stroke training

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
St. Mary’s Athens hosted its Emergency Department Stroke Class for local emergency responders Aug. 12, at the Putnam County Administration Building.The class was organized by Putnam County EMS Lieutenant Phillip Ethridge, with Whitney Barfield and John Sartain of St.
Early this month at a scheduled Eatonton City Council meeting, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell (left) introduced Officer Mitch Jimenez to council members as his latest addition to the force. Jimenez told council members he’s enjoying the job here and looks forward to helping others and getting involved locally. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Early this month at a scheduled Eatonton City Council meeting, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell (left) introduced Officer Mitch Jimenez to council members as his latest addition to the force. Jimenez told council members he’s enjoying the job here and looks forward to helping others and getting involved locally. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Eatonton Police chief introduces officer Jiminez

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Eatonton Police chief introduces officer Jiminez
Habitat for Humanity of Putnam Executive Director Murali Thirumal (right) accepts a $48,600 grant check from representatives of Robins Financial Credit Union. CONTRIBUTED

Habitat for Humanity of Putnam Executive Director Murali Thirumal (right) accepts a $48,600 grant check from representatives of Robins Financial Credit Union. CONTRIBUTED

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Robins Financial benefits Carter Crossing

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) recently received a $48,600 grant from Robins Financial Credit Union. The funds will support critical infrastructure improvements for Carter Crossing, the organization’s planned affordable workforce housing development.

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Putnam Past

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
LAST YEAR, AUG. 21, 2026Putnam County relied on a strong running game last Friday night to defeat Greene County 42-15 in the season opener for both teams.
Georgia Writers Museum Executive Director Melissa Swindell recently introduced her 3-month-old daughter, Tabitha Blake, to downtown Eatonton, where both received plenty of love and admiration from friends and colleagues alike. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Georgia Writers Museum Executive Director Melissa Swindell recently introduced her 3-month-old daughter, Tabitha Blake, to downtown Eatonton, where both received plenty of love and admiration from friends and colleagues alike. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Addition to Writers Museum

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Addition to Writers Museum
Governor Brian Kemp (right) recently reappointed Trevor J. Addison, Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts for Putnam County, to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. CONTRIBUTED

Governor Brian Kemp (right) recently reappointed Trevor J. Addison, Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts for Putnam County, to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority. CONTRIBUTED

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Kemp reappoints Addison to Court Clerks authority

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Governor Brian Kemp has reappointed Trevor J. Addison, Clerk of Superior, State, and Juvenile Courts for Putnam County, to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks’ Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). Addison was recently sworn in for another term by Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Superior Court Judge Brenda H.
Christopher Charles Ward

Christopher Charles Ward

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Public Record

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Information found on the Putnam County Public Record page has been gathered by The Eatonton Messenger from various institutions and public offices. Reports gleaned from public records reflect the information as it appears on the documents provided. Subscribe online at www.msgrnews.com.MONDAY, AUG.
Grease Monkey:

Grease Monkey:

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Grease Monkey:

News Staff
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Grease Monkey, a locally owned automobile service, recently opened its doors at 101 Walmart Dr. in Eatonton.“We opened this location in 2023 built on customer service,” said James Painter, co-owner of Grease Monkey.
Sheriff Sills answers questions about use of Flock cameras

Sheriff Sills answers questions about use of Flock cameras

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Sheriff Sills answers questions about use of Flock cameras

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The arrests of several deputies in the state of Georgia for the illegal use of Flock Safety cameras has ignited what seems to be a fiery controversy across the state and nation. Opponents say they are invasive to one’s privacy, intrusive, and vulnerable to hackers.Putnam County Sheriff Howard R.
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