News

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton council awards $1M gas line contract

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 20, 2025
With a second-straight light agenda, the Eatonton City Council met for approximately half an hour Monday night.The first order of business was to approve a revised memorandum of understanding with the Putnam County Charter School System.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Juveniles nabbed for throwing rocks at vehicles

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Two Putnam County juveniles were arrested last week in connection with several incidents of vehicles damaged by rocks thrown, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.The two boys are each 14 years old; authorities are not identifying them due to their age. They were arrested Friday, Nov.
District Teacher of the Year Sharon Creek, alongside Superintendent Derick Austin, holds up the Teacher of the Year plaque, where her name will soon be engraved. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

District Teacher of the Year Sharon Creek, alongside Superintendent Derick Austin, holds up the Teacher of the Year plaque, where her name will soon be engraved. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

PCCSS posts policy updates, reports score improvements

Bailey Ballard
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Education hosted its monthly board meeting to recognize students and staff and to hear updates on CCRPI scores and incoming board policy changes.
Amanda Swearingen

Amanda Swearingen

Eatonton woman killed in UTV accident; 2 injured

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An Eatonton woman was killed early Saturday, Nov. 15, in a UTV accident, according to authorities.Amanda Swearingen, 43, died when the Polaris UTV she was driving went off the road and overturned, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Corey A. Hickey

Corey A. Hickey

Accused child molester now charged with rape

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A man who was arrested two weeks ago on charges related to creating child pornography is back in jail facing a number of additional charges, including rape, according to authorities.Corey Andrew Hickey, 38, of the Twin Bridges Road area, was arrested Oct.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Woman killed in ATV accident

Lynn Hobbs
Saturday, November 15, 2025
An Eatonton woman was killed early Saturday in an ATV accident, according to authorities.Amanda Swearingen, 43, died when the Polaris UTV she was driving went off the road and overturned, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Prior to last Tuesday’s council meeting, retired Eatonton Fire Department Deputy Chief Carl Buckner, Sr. (center, white shirt) was presented with an official plaque recognizing “25 years of untiring service to the citizens of Eatonton,” by Mayor John Reid, EFD Chief Jamey Williamson, and all city council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Prior to last Tuesday’s council meeting, retired Eatonton Fire Department Deputy Chief Carl Buckner, Sr. (center, white shirt) was presented with an official plaque recognizing “25 years of untiring service to the citizens of Eatonton,” by Mayor John Reid, EFD Chief Jamey Williamson, and all city council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Council increases Briar Patch financial commitment

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Eatonton City Council met on Wednesday, Nov. 5, with a relatively light agenda, resulting in a brief 35-minute meeting. Also of note, Mayor Pro Tem Chip Walker returned to the council following recovery from a serious bicycle accident.
Janie Reid

Janie Reid

Janie Reid: ‘I have not closed the door on politics’

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
After losing her Ward 3 council seat to Fred Lowe in last Tuesday’s municipal election, Janie Reid will remain in office until the end of 2025, with Lowe assuming the position in the new year.Regardless, Reid says she may have lost an election, but she’s not going to be stepping out of public life.
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