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The mobile home on Sunset Drive is totally destroyed after a fire. The family’s pets perished in the fire. CONTRIBUTED

The mobile home on Sunset Drive is totally destroyed after a fire. The family’s pets perished in the fire. CONTRIBUTED

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Two mobile homes destroyed by fire; one family displaced

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Putnam County Fire Department personnel were busy shuttling water from a fire hydrant to a burning mobile home Friday morning.Around 5:20 a.m. Aug. 14, the fire department received a call that a trailer was on fire on the 100 block of Pineview Drive in the Crooked Creek community on Lake Sinclair.
District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett makes a point during the Aug. 7 meeting, with District 3’s Steve Hersey (left) and Tom McElhenney of District 1 listening. District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten was absent. IAN TOCHER/Staff

District 2 Commissioner Richard Garrett makes a point during the Aug. 7 meeting, with District 3’s Steve Hersey (left) and Tom McElhenney of District 1 listening. District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten was absent. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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County considers development, taxes as budget takes shape

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 20, 2026
The Putnam County Commission spent much of a lengthy Aug. 7 meeting discussing the county’s proposed budget and tax burden while also taking steps toward tighter regulations for development, including a temporary moratorium on data centers, battery storage facilities, and large solar farms.
The mobile home on Sunset Drive is totally destroyed after a fire. The family’s pets perished in the fire. (Contributed photo)

The mobile home on Sunset Drive is totally destroyed after a fire. The family’s pets perished in the fire. (Contributed photo)

Two mobile homes destroyed by fire; one family displaced

Lynn Hobbs
Friday, August 14, 2026
Putnam County Fire Department personnel were busy shuttling water from a fire hydrant to a burning mobile home this morning.Around 5:20 a.m. Friday, Aug.
Putnam County Board of Education member Doris Clemons accepts a painting after her name was drawn during a raffle at the Putnam County Board of Education meeting. Clemons announced she would donate the artwork to the PCBOE. ALIVIA BLANTON/ Staff

Putnam County Board of Education member Doris Clemons accepts a painting after her name was drawn during a raffle at the Putnam County Board of Education meeting. Clemons announced she would donate the artwork to the PCBOE. ALIVIA BLANTON/ Staff

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BOE reviews budget, CTAE grants, HS theatre project

Alivia Blanton
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Putnam County Board of Education discussed its fiscal year 2027 budget, reviewed Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) grant applications, and considered a major lighting upgrade for the high school’s performance theatre during its Aug. 3 meeting.
Douglas Grady

Douglas Grady

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Naked man attacks car, has disagreement with dog

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
“Argumentative, belligerent,” and “naked.”Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies not only had to work in the 93-degree heat on Friday, Aug. 8, but one of their arrests involved a man who apparently was frustrated by the soaring temperatures.
Protestors from Putnam and Baldwin counties combine Sunday afternoon on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn to commiserate and share their concerns about three potential quarry projects coming to Lake Country. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Protestors from Putnam and Baldwin counties combine Sunday afternoon on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn to commiserate and share their concerns about three potential quarry projects coming to Lake Country. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Quarry opposition rocks Putnam courthouse steps

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
About two dozen opponents of a proposed granite quarry on Dennis Station Road endured hot, humid conditions Sunday, Aug. 9, as they took their months-long protest to the steps of the Putnam County Courthouse.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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City decides to address data centers

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Eatonton City Council has agreed to explore establishing local rules and regulations for potential data centers within city limits.City Administrator Gary Sanders introduced the issue shortly after the City Council’s scheduled Aug. 4 meeting began.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Neighborhood bar fined $17,000 by U.S. Court

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
A neighborhood hangout known for its pool tables, karaoke nights, live bands and cold beer has been ordered to pay more than $17,000 for copyright violations, according to court records.Broadcast Music Inc.
New Gatewood Head of School Jon Fadely takes a turn behind the wheel of the Gators’ football-themed golf cart, a fitting ride for the avid golfer who lives with his wife at Reynolds in Greene County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

New Gatewood Head of School Jon Fadely takes a turn behind the wheel of the Gators’ football-themed golf cart, a fitting ride for the avid golfer who lives with his wife at Reynolds in Greene County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Gatewood’s new leader makes purpose his priority

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Growing up in Maryland, Jon Fadely, 55, said he spent a lot of his youth in St. Michaels on Chesapeake Bay, “just doing a lot of fishing and crabbing and having a lot of great experiences living in a rural area.
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