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A smoking box is seen in the turn lane where county public safety workers block traffic at the corner of Old Phoenix Road and GA-44. CONTRIBUTED/PCFD

A smoking box is seen in the turn lane where county public safety workers block traffic at the corner of Old Phoenix Road and GA-44. CONTRIBUTED/PCFD

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Firefighters remove chemical spill from roadway

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
A small chemical spill created a traffic inconvenience at one of Putnam County’s busier intersections on Monday.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Maintenance, planning, keys to EPWSA success

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Preventive maintenance and longterm infrastructure planning remain central to the Eatonton-Putnam Water and Sewer Authority’s (EPWSA) strategy for managing the local water and sewer system, project manager Brice Doolittle told the Putnam County Board of Commissioners on March 6, during a scheduled...
Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain stands beside the podium after he delivered the news that up to 40 citizens attending a Planning & Zoning meeting had to wait outside the large room at the county’s administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain stands beside the podium after he delivered the news that up to 40 citizens attending a Planning & Zoning meeting had to wait outside the large room at the county’s administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Tense P&Z meeting postpones quarry decision

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
A controversial proposal to build a rock quarry in Putnam County will not move forward — at least for now.
Jerry G. Stapp

Jerry G. Stapp

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Accused meth dealer tries new method to move drugs

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Storing his stash of drugs in a green bean can must’ve seemed like a good idea at the time. Until it wasn’t.Jerry George Stapp was arrested recently for methamphetamine distribution after authorities found 29 grams of methamphetamine in a green bean can in his bedroom.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Major paving project for downtown Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) recently said it will begin repaving Eatonton’s main thoroughfare of North Jefferson Avenue, South Jefferson Avenue, and South Oak Street, beginning later this month on a yet-to-be-announced date.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Students who skip school could face new punishments

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Students with too many unexcused absences would be barred from playing sports and could lose their driver’s license under legislation approved by the state Senate Thursday.“These are privileges,” said Sen. Jason Dickerson, R-Canton.
Putnam County 4-H member and Georgia 4-H State Board President Robert Thomas (left) addressed the Georgia Senate and Georgia House of Representatives last Thursday in Atlanta, during Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol. The man beside him is Rep. Rick Jasperse, of Jasper, who worked as an extension agent before his election. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County 4-H member and Georgia 4-H State Board President Robert Thomas (left) addressed the Georgia Senate and Georgia House of Representatives last Thursday in Atlanta, during Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol. The man beside him is Rep. Rick Jasperse, of Jasper, who worked as an extension agent before his election. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam 4-H’er addresses Georgia Legislature

News Staff
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Putnam County 4-H is celebrating a historic moment as local youth leader and Georgia 4-H State Board President Robert Thomas was invited to address the Georgia Senate and the Georgia House of Representatives Feb. 26, during Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol, in Atlanta.
John Cross, co-owner of Putnam County Stone, is a 20-plus-year quarry veteran who hopes to establish a new granite quarry alongside Dennis Station Road in southwest Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

John Cross, co-owner of Putnam County Stone, is a 20-plus-year quarry veteran who hopes to establish a new granite quarry alongside Dennis Station Road in southwest Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Rocky road remains for quarry plan

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
As debate continues over a proposed rock quarry in southwest Putnam County, John Cross, co-owner of Putnam County Stone, said his goal is simple: answer questions and earn trust.
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