News

Medical grade marijuana and a partially-filled bag of crystalized methamphetamine were recovered after a Putnam County investigation and high-speed car chase in Madison. CONTRIBUTED

Medical grade marijuana and a partially-filled bag of crystalized methamphetamine were recovered after a Putnam County investigation and high-speed car chase in Madison. CONTRIBUTED

Agencies work together to arrest drug supplier

Morgan County deputies helped wrap up a drug case that Lt. Harry Luke of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office had been working on for quite a while.For years, each time Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Lt.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Federal government approves Hurricane Helene aid

Farmers and other agricultural producers in Georgia will receive federal financial aid to help with recovery from Hurricane Helene, the massive storm that devastated crops and timberland more than a year ago.Georgia and U.S.
A proud crowd gathered Sept. 27 at PCFD Station 6 (310 Rockville Rd.) to recognize and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, near Oconee Springs Park in Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

A proud crowd gathered Sept. 27 at PCFD Station 6 (310 Rockville Rd.) to recognize and celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rockville Volunteer Fire Department, near Oconee Springs Park in Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Rockville residents celebrate volunteer fire department history

The Rockville Volunteer Firefighters’ Association (RVFA) held a potluck dinner Saturday evening at the fire station near Oconee Springs Park to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean spoke in June during the organization’s first information session at the Putnam County Courthouse in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Beyond the Bell Executive Director Sandra Dean spoke in June during the organization’s first information session at the Putnam County Courthouse in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

More work left to do in fight against opioids

Four years ago, on Oct. 1, Beyond the Bell (BTB) began providing substance abuse prevention programs and services in Macon-Bibb County to combat the early use of tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs by youth and young adults.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Milledgeville man dies in crash with log truck

A Milledgeville man lost his life early Tuesday morning when his vehicle crashed into a log truck, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.Micky Lee Bartlett, 51, had already died when emergency workers arrived at the scene of the crash; Coroner Hollis Harrison pronounced him dead at 7:15 a.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Three top institutions retain high rankings

Georgia’s two public flagships for higher education placed in the top 100 again, along with Emory University, in the annual U.S. News rankings for 2026.The Georgia Institute of Technology moved up a spot to 32nd. The University of Georgia remained at 46th and Emory at 24th.