News

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton storage shed fire full of mysteries

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 8, 2026
Eatonton Fire Department firefighters responded to a fire call Monday night and found a shed fully engulfed in flames.Eatonton Fire Chief Jamey Williamson said the building was an old wooden storage shed approximately 16 ft. by 40 ft. with a tin roof.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Lottery player’s truck stolen; thief nabbed in Gray

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 8, 2026
An Eatonton man lost his truck while playing the lottery.The 45-year-old said he stopped at the Golden Pantry on Oak Street and went inside to buy a lottery ticket on Friday, Jan. 2, around 8 p.m., according to Eatonton Police Department reports.
L-R: Eatonton Fire Chief Jamey Williamson, EFD Deputy Chief Cooper Rainey, EFD Firefighter of the Year Captain Matt Kitchens, EFD Deputy Chief Rodney Vining, and EFD Captain Armando Moreno. CONTRIBUTED

L-R: Eatonton Fire Chief Jamey Williamson, EFD Deputy Chief Cooper Rainey, EFD Firefighter of the Year Captain Matt Kitchens, EFD Deputy Chief Rodney Vining, and EFD Captain Armando Moreno. CONTRIBUTED

EFD hands out 2025 honors at annual banquet

Ian Tocher
Thursday, January 8, 2026
The Eatonton Fire Department recognized service, leadership, and decades of dedication during its annual awards night and banquet Dec. 12 at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton.EFD Chief Jamey Williamson presented the department’s Firefighter of the Year Award to EFD Captain Matt Kitchens.
African American Cultural Alliance organizer Janie Reid hosted an informational meeting at SIPS 31024 on Dec. 22, about creating a new Black experience museum in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

African American Cultural Alliance organizer Janie Reid hosted an informational meeting at SIPS 31024 on Dec. 22, about creating a new Black experience museum in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Reid leads push for new Eatonton museum

Ian Tocher
Thursday, January 8, 2026
After two-and-a-half years of planning, a group of local officials, business owners, and community organizers has started moving forward with plans to establish an African American history museum in Eatonton.
The Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

The Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton police searching for two women

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 31, 2025
Authorities are searching for two more women believed to be connected to a shoplifting spree across east central, central, and northeastern Georgia.The Eatonton Police Department is searching for Paris Nicole Glanton, 20, and Ja’Niyah Hearns, 19, of Hephzibah.
On behalf of his fellow coaches and a roster 39 players, Alexander Banks, head coach of the 2025 Putnam County Middle School War Eagles football team, accepted a framed proclamation last Tuesday night recognizing the team’s 2025 state championship from (l-r) Commissioner Jeff Wooten, Chairman Bill Sharp, and Commissioner Tom McElhenney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

On behalf of his fellow coaches and a roster 39 players, Alexander Banks, head coach of the 2025 Putnam County Middle School War Eagles football team, accepted a framed proclamation last Tuesday night recognizing the team’s 2025 state championship from (l-r) Commissioner Jeff Wooten, Chairman Bill Sharp, and Commissioner Tom McElhenney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Citizens raise concerns to county commission

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met Dec. 16, opening with a ceremonial moment as Chairman Bill Sharp presented a proclamation honoring the 2025 Putnam County Middle School football team to head coach Alexander Banks.
Oliver Philippe, 6, spontaneously gives GSP Trooper Derek Snead a high five after he picked out a new bicycle. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Oliver Philippe, 6, spontaneously gives GSP Trooper Derek Snead a high five after he picked out a new bicycle. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Shop with a Cop brings smiles

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Twenty-eight Eatonton children’s dreams seemed to come true Friday night at Walmart during the annual Shop With a Cop program.
A young man, accompanied by his family nearby, salutes a veteran’s grave at Pine Grove Cemetery after placing a wreath as part of the Wreaths Across America program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

A young man, accompanied by his family nearby, salutes a veteran’s grave at Pine Grove Cemetery after placing a wreath as part of the Wreaths Across America program. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Wreaths honor veterans, keep memories alive

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Families and individual volunteers visited two local cemeteries on Dec. 13 to place evergreen wreaths on the graves of veterans — regardless of where or when they served — as a way to honor their lives and service to the country.
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