News

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

News Staff
Monday, May 25, 2026
Memorial Day turned tragic for a local family when a local man lost his life in a vehicle crash.Johnie Prothro, 85, of Eatonton, was killed around 2 p.m. in the wreck on State Route 16/Sparta Highway.
The 2019 Honda Civic driven by Austyn Cutler ended up on its roof after a collision with a Jeep Wrangler. VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

The 2019 Honda Civic driven by Austyn Cutler ended up on its roof after a collision with a Jeep Wrangler. VIA SOCIAL MEDIA

Car flips on Old Phoenix Road

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Two people were injured in a vehicle collision on Old Phoenix Road on Monday. Two women were taken by ambulance to Putnam General Hospital for treatment of injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening, according to Putnam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Justin Brock.
L-R: Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s Katherine Mahlberg with new homeowners Jaevien, Khaleb, Amyah, and Candice Ellison cutting the ribbon May 12, as GCSU student and HFHP volunteer Zach Zachry keeps it tight. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s Katherine Mahlberg with new homeowners Jaevien, Khaleb, Amyah, and Candice Ellison cutting the ribbon May 12, as GCSU student and HFHP volunteer Zach Zachry keeps it tight. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Habitat for Humanity Putnam delivers House No. 29

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) celebrated the dedication of Habitat House No. 29 on May 12, welcoming Candice Ellison and her family into a brand-new, safe, stable and affordable home built through the support of volunteers, community partners, donors and sponsors across Putnam County.
Kilee Reid, George Thompkins, Rose Dennis and Georgia Smith describe their personal experiences in segregation history. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Kilee Reid, George Thompkins, Rose Dennis and Georgia Smith describe their personal experiences in segregation history. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Black seniors promote voter participation in Putnam County

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Long before voting became common for Black Americans, residents in Eatonton and Putnam County fought through segregation, intimidation, and systemic barriers to cast their ballots.
Byron Lombard/File Photo

Byron Lombard/File Photo

Lombard named interim county manager

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Following the retirement of Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute, the Board of Commissioners recently completed an interview process to fill the interim county manager position.On May 6, the board authorized County Chairman Bill Sharp to execute a contract with Byron Lombard.
A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Stolen car crashes while fleeing police

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
A man accused of fleeing authorities after allegedly committing a crime in Washington County hit a dead end in Eatonton on Monday.
Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton city council hears quarry concerns

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Eatonton City Council moved quickly through a varied agenda Monday evening that included public concerns over a proposed rock quarry, approval of city business tied to the Georgia Municipal Association, and updates on paving, utilities, and community events.
James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Happy 100th!

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
If every day spent on this earth creates memories, then James Dooley has about 36,500 days’ worth of them to share. Dooley celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, May 22.Dooley recently shared many of his memories with The Eatonton Messenger.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Putnam County May 19 Election Results

News Staff
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
The Board of Commissioners was set to have a new look in 2027 regardless of the election as Chairman Bill Sharp and Commissioner Jeff Wooten chose to not run for re-election.After the results were counted Tuesday night, the three candidates who campaigned together for change will get just that.
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