News

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

State rep indicted in federal benefits case

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A metro Atlanta lawmaker accused of theft of government funds in connection with COVID-19 relief pleaded not guilty in federal court Monday.Rep. Sharon Henderson, D-Covington, walked into the courtroom in downtown Atlanta wearing ankle cuffs, after she was arrested at her home in the morning.U.S.
Paesha Brown

Paesha Brown

Driver points gun at a passenger

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A Milledgeville woman was arrested for pointing a gun at the passenger of another vehicle while she was driving on U.S. Hwy. 441 last week.The passenger called 911 around 1:45 p.m. Dec. 1 and reported that a brown BMW was speeding and swerving in and out of traffic.
This countyowned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

This countyowned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

Traffic study underway due to safety concerns

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A traffic study is underway on Pea Ridge and Old Phoenix roads. Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said he is conducting the study because of what he considers high traffic volumes and vehicle crashes on those two roads, and is considering reducing the speed limits.
CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

Christmas season arrives

News Staff
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
Approximately 150 people gathered Dec. 4 for the lighting of the Christmas tree in front of the Putnam County Courthouse.
Michael J. Beckham

Michael J. Beckham

Three-peat DUIs in as many weeks

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A Wilkinson County man is in jail after he was arrested three times in less than three weeks for DUI.Michael Joseph Beckham, 52, of Ivey, is being held without bond in Putnam County Jail, facing the charge of driving under the influence of drugs, third offense, according to jail reports.
Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey remains skeptical of “payments in lieu of taxes” for proposed developments. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey remains skeptical of “payments in lieu of taxes” for proposed developments. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Commissioners debate PDA tax exemption resolution

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A lengthy, occasionally contentious discussion over the Putnam Development Authority (PDA) concluded the Putnam County Board of Commissioners meeting on Friday.
CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

Speed, traffic volume being tracked over safety concerns

Lynn Hobbs
Friday, December 5, 2025
A traffic study is underway on Pea Ridge and Old Phoenix roads. Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said he is conducting the study because of what he considers high traffic volumes and vehicle crashes on those two roads. Sills said he’s looking into possibly reducing the speed limits.
E-PCOC President Robbie King (left) receives a plaque from GACCE Immediate Past Chair and Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heath Taylor recognizing E-PCOC as an “outstanding” Chamber of Commerce in Georgia. CONTRIBUTED

E-PCOC President Robbie King (left) receives a plaque from GACCE Immediate Past Chair and Dublin-Laurens Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Heath Taylor recognizing E-PCOC as an “outstanding” Chamber of Commerce in Georgia. CONTRIBUTED

Eatonton-Putnam Chamber receives statewide recognition

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 4, 2025
In 2011, the Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (GACCE) Board of Directors established its Georgia Certified Chamber program to recognize outstanding Chambers in the state.Among those recognized Nov.
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