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Gatewood’s Jeff Decker stands beside a large aerial photograph of the school’s 30-acre complex, much of which he had a hand in helping to develop over his nearly 13 years in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s Jeff Decker stands beside a large aerial photograph of the school’s 30-acre complex, much of which he had a hand in helping to develop over his nearly 13 years in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood’s Decker prepares for retirement

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Jeff Decker never planned to become head of school at Gatewood in Eatonton.In fact, because he was more comfortable on the sidelines of a football field, Decker said he never intended to lead from the front office of any school.
A demolition worker tears into Rooty Creek Primitive Baptist Church last week, readying it for a trip to a landfill. IAN TOCHER/Staff

A demolition worker tears into Rooty Creek Primitive Baptist Church last week, readying it for a trip to a landfill. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Rooty Creek church demolished

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
After standing more than 150 years at what is now the northeast corner of Hwy. Located at 441 and Pea Ridge Road, and closed during the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Rooty Creek Primitive Baptist Church is no more.
This 28.54 grams of methamphetamine was found during a traffic stop. The woman, Autumn Carrey, and passenger Robert Hough are facing trafficking charges. CONTRIBUTED

This 28.54 grams of methamphetamine was found during a traffic stop. The woman, Autumn Carrey, and passenger Robert Hough are facing trafficking charges. CONTRIBUTED

Drug trafficker delivered meth to Putnam County ‘every 4-5 days’

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Upon her arrest, an Eatonton woman reportedly told detectives that she had been picking up “anywhere from 1 to 9 ounces of methamphetamine” every four to five days from Macon and bringing it back to Putnam County to sell to street drug dealers, Putnam County Sheriff’s Lt. Harry Luke said.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Judge orders audit of $100M ‘phantom bond’

Staff Reports
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
After a Dec. 2 appearance in Putnam County Superior Court, where local citizens and Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Stephen Hersey voiced opposition to a proposed development deal, Superior Court Judge Stephen A. Bradley has ordered an independent auditor to investigate the project’s finances.
Karen Garrett (right) organized a small but heartfelt demonstration Monday morning in Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Karen Garrett (right) organized a small but heartfelt demonstration Monday morning in Martin Luther King Jr.’s memory on the Putnam County Courthouse lawn in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Youthful voices energize Eatonton’s MLK Day ceremony

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
More than a commemoration of the past, Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day ceremony at the decommissioned Butler-Baker School served as a sign of renewal for Eatonton’s NAACP chapter and a reminder that Dr. King’s dream, organizers said, remains unfinished work.Approximately 150 people gathered Jan.
This 3.8 oz. baggie of methamphetamine, a.k.a. an 8-ball, came from Foston during a controlled purchase. CONTRIBUTED/ PCSO

This 3.8 oz. baggie of methamphetamine, a.k.a. an 8-ball, came from Foston during a controlled purchase. CONTRIBUTED/ PCSO

Man throws drugs, money out window while fleeing

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
A Milledgeville man recently drove along Old Phoenix and New Phoenix roads slinging methamphetamine, scales, and money out the window of his car as he tried to escape Putnam County Sheriff’s Office detectives.Deputies caught the driver and recovered the evidence.
Georgia-based metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann in her studio. CONTRIBUTED

Georgia-based metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann in her studio. CONTRIBUTED

MAGallery presents ‘Land and Sea Georgia’

News Staff
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Madison Artists Guild Gallery (MAGallery) presents Land and Sea Georgia, an exhibition by renowned metal and jewelry artist Barbara Mann celebrating the interconnectedness of Georgia’s land and coastal environments.
With Mayor John Reid seated behind them (far left), starting second from left, Councilmembers James Gorley, Teresa Doster, Mylle Mangum, and new addition Fredrick Lowe face Putnam County State Court Judge Michael Gailey (far right), who administered the Jan. 6 swearing-in ceremony at the county administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

With Mayor John Reid seated behind them (far left), starting second from left, Councilmembers James Gorley, Teresa Doster, Mylle Mangum, and new addition Fredrick Lowe face Putnam County State Court Judge Michael Gailey (far right), who administered the Jan. 6 swearing-in ceremony at the county administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City council swears in members, advances new charter

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Eatonton City Council held its first meeting of the new year, Jan. 6, opening with a swearing- in ceremony for several council members.
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