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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

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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

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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

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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.
Tobias H. Farley

Tobias H. Farley

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Two shot but by whom?

T. Michael Stone
Wednesday, December 24, 2025
Madison Police arrested an Eatonton man on aggravated assault charges after a husband and wife were shot during an altercation at a party attended by mostly family members on Meadow Ridge Road in the early morning hours of Dec. 14.
In June 1974, Joe Thompson (left) and James Gregory (right) attended the first meeting to put together a makeshift Putnam County rescue service. Both later became decades-long members of the county’s official emergency response team. IAN TOCHER/Staff

In June 1974, Joe Thompson (left) and James Gregory (right) attended the first meeting to put together a makeshift Putnam County rescue service. Both later became decades-long members of the county’s official emergency response team. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Putting Putnam’s literal lifeline together

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 18, 2025
When Joe Thompson and James Gregory agreed to meet at Eatonton City Hall in June 1974, they had no idea of what they were getting into. They also had no uniforms, no equipment, and no guarantee of income.
Janie Reid

Janie Reid

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Exit address from city councilmember Janie Reid

Janie Reid
Thursday, December 18, 2025
As many of you know, December 15th marked my final meeting as a member of the Eatonton City Council. I leave this role with a grateful heart, a deep sense of peace, and sincere gratitude.Serving alongside Mayor Reid and my fellow Councilmembers has been one of the great honors of my public life.
Mark Pinchukov played “Bohemian Rhapsody” during his recital Dec. 12 at Putnam County High School. Scan the QR code to watch his performance. VICTORIA ANADENKO/Staff

Mark Pinchukov played “Bohemian Rhapsody” during his recital Dec. 12 at Putnam County High School. Scan the QR code to watch his performance. VICTORIA ANADENKO/Staff

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PCHS piano students present fall recital

Victoria Anadenko
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Students from the Putnam County High School piano class presented their Fall Piano Recital on Dec. 12, showcasing a wide range of musical styles and skill levels.
Ian Tocher/Staff

Ian Tocher/Staff

Santa arrives in Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 18, 2025
For the second-straight year, the Eatonton Christmas parade featured an early-evening start on Saturday, which proved very popular with local Santa Claus fans.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid hugs his wife, Janie, at the close of her outgoing city council meeting on Monday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid hugs his wife, Janie, at the close of her outgoing city council meeting on Monday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Eatonton council holds final meeting of 2025

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 18, 2025
The Eatonton City Council met Monday evening in a largely ceremonial and forward-looking session, highlighted by the final meeting for Ward 3 representative Janie Reid, who was defeated in November’s election for her seat after seven years on the council.
Eatonton police officers found these stolen rifles and a shotgun that two teens hid in the woods along with stolen bags of tools, trail cameras, and other hunting gear. The guns were loaded at the time. CONTRIBUTED/ EPD

Eatonton police officers found these stolen rifles and a shotgun that two teens hid in the woods along with stolen bags of tools, trail cameras, and other hunting gear. The guns were loaded at the time. CONTRIBUTED/ EPD

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Drunk teens nabbed after stealing loaded guns

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, December 18, 2025
What turned into an unusual night, Dec. 12-13, for the Eatonton Police Department and a few city residents started when two 17-year-olds were hanging out and drinking Four Loko alcoholic beverages.
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