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Wanda Wiggins, a community outreach specialist with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, was in Eatonton on Saturday warning of the deadly dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Wanda Wiggins, a community outreach specialist with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, was in Eatonton on Saturday warning of the deadly dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs. IAN TOCHER/Staff

DEA agent warns 'one pill can kill'

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
When Wanda Wiggins meets with students, parents, or community groups, she doesn’t come to lecture. She arrives with a warning.“My mission is to serve the community, getting the knowledge out there about ‘One pill can kill,’” said Wiggins, a community outreach specialist with the U.S.
Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe (third form left), with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to the right, break ground on the Stanton Springs project site in Social Circle, alongside several other state and local representatives. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe (third form left), with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to the right, break ground on the Stanton Springs project site in Social Circle, alongside several other state and local representatives. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Rivian breaks ground on planned factory

Skyla Morris
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Rivian Automotive has moved forward with its plans to launch a 2,000-acre EV production plant at Stanton Springs North, breaking ground for the long-delayed project on Sept. 16. The ceremony involved several state officials — including Gov.
Christine D. Smith

Christine D. Smith

Fishing trip turns foul for fugitive

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
A fugitive from around Lake Pontchartrain in Louisiana was captured fishing on Lake Sinclair last week and is in Putnam County jail awaiting extradition back to Louisiana.Christine Denise Smith, 57, of Conyers, was arrested shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.
Inspired by an open-book photo of a Bible (right), Brian Danson created an all-metal sculpture featuring a pair of disembodied hands playing a harp that inspired a vote for him as the event’s Peoples’ Choice-winning artist. CONTRIBUTED

Inspired by an open-book photo of a Bible (right), Brian Danson created an all-metal sculpture featuring a pair of disembodied hands playing a harp that inspired a vote for him as the event’s Peoples’ Choice-winning artist. CONTRIBUTED

Dual Vision delivers again for Artisans Village Guild

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Artisans Village Guild (AVG) hosted more than 350 guests last Thursday night for its 9th annual Dual Vision reveal, held for the fourth-straight year at Barrel 118 in downtown Eatonton.
“My Verizon phone and AT&T phone through work don’t really work at her house,” Hassel Weems told the Putnam County Commission, referring to his mother’s property where she wants to lease a small area to a cellular tower builder. “Those people can’t call 911 if the power is out.” CONTRIBUTED

“My Verizon phone and AT&T phone through work don’t really work at her house,” Hassel Weems told the Putnam County Commission, referring to his mother’s property where she wants to lease a small area to a cellular tower builder. “Those people can’t call 911 if the power is out.” CONTRIBUTED

Putnam Commissioners approve another new cell tower

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Sept. 16 Putnam County Commission meeting opened with a Planning and Zoning hearing on a request to build a new 255-foot cell tower on land owned by 83-year-old BJ Weems, whose family has been on the property at 1103 Oconee Springs Road for nearly a century.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Georgia lawmakers coming to grips with mill closings

Dave Williams
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
The impact of International Paper’s decision to close two pulp and paper mills in Coastal Georgia at the end of this month will spread far beyond those workers directly affected, state Commissioner of Agriculture Tyler Harper said Wednesday.
Treevana Powered by Sanctuary staff and the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon Sept. 9 to officially open the first medical cannabis facility in Milledgeville. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

Treevana Powered by Sanctuary staff and the Milledgeville-Baldwin Chamber of Commerce cut the ribbon Sept. 9 to officially open the first medical cannabis facility in Milledgeville. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

New medical cannabis facility opens in Milledgeville

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Treevana Powered by Sanctuary opened its doors Sept. 9 at 3015 Heritage Place NE, located beside the former roller-skating rink in Baldwin County.Treevana is a state-licensed medical cannabis facility that aims to educate on and make low-THC products more accessible for patients across Georgia.
Victoria Anadenko (with microphone) spoke about her choice of photo during the Sept. 12 Dual Vision Exhibit hosted by the Artisans Village Art Gallery. CONTRIBUTED

Victoria Anadenko (with microphone) spoke about her choice of photo during the Sept. 12 Dual Vision Exhibit hosted by the Artisans Village Art Gallery. CONTRIBUTED

Fox Theatre and GPLS present Fox in a Box tour

News Staff
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre, through its philanthropic arm Fox Gives, has partnered with the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) to send the popular Fox in a Box exhibit on a statewide tour of public libraries. The exhibit will be on display Sept. 22 to Oct.
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