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As the newspaper of record, The Eatonton Messenger dubbed June 16, 1953, as “a date that has no doubt engraved itself deeply in the history” of Putnam County. CONTRIUBTED

As the newspaper of record, The Eatonton Messenger dubbed June 16, 1953, as “a date that has no doubt engraved itself deeply in the history” of Putnam County. CONTRIUBTED

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Putnam A to Z: D is for Dairy Festival

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 16, 2023
Editor’s note: The symmetry of 52 weeks in a year and 26 letters in our alphabet inspired us here at The Eatonton Messenger to embark on an alphabetical journey every other week in 2023, looking at something – or someone – unique, significant, unusual, or just plain interesting in Putnam County,...
BREAKING NEWS | THE EATONTON MESSENGER

BREAKING NEWS | THE EATONTON MESSENGER

Man shot in car while driving on Highway 44

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 9, 2023
A man driving home from work last night was shot by another driver, authorities say. He is recovering at nearby hospital. The victim, 67-year-old Ralph Rella, works as a night manager at the Ritz Carlton Lake Oconee and lives in Forsyth, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
GaFCP Regional Manager Adam Swymer checks on the discussion in one of the small groups.

GaFCP Regional Manager Adam Swymer checks on the discussion in one of the small groups.

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Putnam County Family Connection discusses future plans

Story And Photos By Lena Hensley
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
The Putnam County Family Connection Collaborative met once more on Feb. 1, at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton. More than 30 people attended, including representatives from the local educational system, healthcare sector, non-profits and churches, and community members.
Michael A. Payne

Michael A. Payne

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Father arrested for bruises seen on child

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
An Eatonton man was arrested by local authorities after reportedly leaving bruises on his child’s leg from a spanking. Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell identified the man as Michael Anthony Payne, 39, of Dogwood Lane, Eatonton.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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BOE receives updates on new school

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
The Putnam County Board of Education held its monthly work session on Feb. 6, to discuss updates to the county’s new elementary school and strategic plan.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Highway 44 and rentals dominate BOC meeting

Rufus Adair
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Roads and rentals – and their place in Lake Oconee’s long-term character and drawing power – bubbled up in discussions at the Putnam County Board of Commissioners’ first monthly meeting last Friday.
The Putnam County High School Beta Club had a good outing in Savannah last month in the statewide competition. CONTRIBUTED

The Putnam County High School Beta Club had a good outing in Savannah last month in the statewide competition. CONTRIBUTED

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Cash captures 3rd-straight Beta Club win

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Several Putnam County High School (PCHS) students traveled to Savannah Jan. 25-27, for the Senior Beta Club State Convention, where five took honors that send them to the National Beta Convention in June at Louisville, Ky.
Putnam County’s Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee both placed on a Top-10 “Hot Lakes” list, based on a national ranking of online interest at LakeHomes.com. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County’s Lake Sinclair and Lake Oconee both placed on a Top-10 “Hot Lakes” list, based on a national ranking of online interest at LakeHomes.com. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Lake Sinclair places 3rd in national real estate searches

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Lake Homes Realty, which claims to be the largest lake real estate brokerage firm in the country, recently released its annual “Hot Lakes” list for 2023. Lake Sinclair moved up one spot from last year to No. 3, and Lake Oconee is new to the top 10 with a No. 8 placement.
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