News

Kenneth D. Brown

Shooting incident turns out to be false; caller jailed

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A flurry of law enforcement activity filled Lakeview Estates Drive and Lane last week in response to a 911 call from a man who said his mother had just been shot in the yard of their house.“Obviously, we responded in a manner one would for such a report,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.

Hans Dawson displays the site plan for the proposed quarry. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Quarry plan for Putnam rock solid?

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

A Wisconsin-based aggregate company is proposing to open a large granite quarry in Putnam County.

Sparks fly as noted Lake Country metal sculptor Brian Dawson works on a sculpture during the 6th annual Artigras event last Saturday night at The Livery in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Artigras delivers cool vibe at Barrel 118

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Lake Country turned out in all its New Orleans-inspired finery on Saturday as the 6th annual Artigras transformed The Livery and then Barrel 118 into high-energy centers of creativity, community, and barely controlled chaos — but all for a cause.

Marquis D. Jordan

Eatonton man arrested for beating woman

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

An Eatonton man is in jail facing charges related to him crashing through the door of his girlfriend’s house and physically beating her severely, authorities say.

L-R: Dr. Brian Williams of Athens Orthopedic Clinic Urgent Care, AOC Sports Medicine, Dr. Logan Fields, AOC Joint Replacement Surgery, Dr. Clayton Wing, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce President Robbie King, AOC CEO Mike Boblitz, Sparta Mayor R. Allen Haywood, and AOC Sports Medicine, Dr. Steve Johnson. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Athens Orthopedic Clinic opens in Lake Country

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Athens Orthopedic Clinic (AOC) is betting on a simple idea: healthcare works best when it’s local.

John W. Yates

‘Radioman’ arrested for altercation with child

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

A well-known person in the downtown Eatonton community was arrested recently following an incident at one of his regular hangouts.Warren Yates, better known as “Radioman,” is seen daily walking around town visiting with anyone who will talk with him.

Reyna Lopez

Babysitter pleads guilty to baby’s murder

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

A babysitter who killed a 5-month-old boy in her custody will be spending the next 20 years of her life in prison.Reyna Lopez, 43, of East Marion Street, Eatonton, pled guilty to murder in the second degree Monday in Greene County Superior Court.

The Jet 44 convenience store in Eatonton appears in disarray after a pickup truck crashed through the front doors. CONTRIBUTED

Truck crashes through store

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

A little missed footing in his vehicle resulted in a show-stopping entrance for a Winder man.William Hearn was pulling up in his pickup to the Jet 44 a few minutes after 4 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4.

Superintendent Derick Austin presents certificates to students of the month (from left) Christopher Morales, Bryan Kelly and Larriah Pettigrew. CONTRIBUTED

BOE approves application for $1.6M grant

Alivia Blanton

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

The Putnam County Board of Education met Feb. 9, covering both the current agenda and items from the previous meeting, which had been canceled due to inclement weather.

The Jet 44 convenience store in Eatonton appears to be in disarray after a pickup truck crashed through the front doors. CONTRIBUTED

Truck crashes through convenience store

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

A little missed footing in his vehicle resulted in a show-stopping entrance for a Winder man. William Hearn was pulling up in his pickup to the Jet 44 a few minutes after 4 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4.

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