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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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C-PACE creates controversy for county commission

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
A relatively routine Putnam County Commission meeting turned unexpectedly contentious Nov. 18 when District 3 Commissioner Stephen Hersey sharply criticized county leadership over transparency related to a significant financing action involving the county’s development authority.According to a U.S.
A steady stream of cars rolled through the parking lot of Eatonton’s old Putnam County Elementary School on Saturday morning as volunteers handed out thousands of pounds of food to grateful recipients. IAN TOCHER/Staff

A steady stream of cars rolled through the parking lot of Eatonton’s old Putnam County Elementary School on Saturday morning as volunteers handed out thousands of pounds of food to grateful recipients. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Cooperation key to success of grassroots food drive

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
A fast-moving grassroots effort attracted hundreds of local citizens and families to the old Putnam County Elementary School grounds near downtown Eatonton Saturday morning.
The fire burns off the gas leaking from the propane tank. CONTRIBUTED

The fire burns off the gas leaking from the propane tank. CONTRIBUTED

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Well house blaze causes propane tank fire

Lynn Hobbs
Tuesday, November 25, 2025
A propane tank fire was safely extinguished, with no explosion or injuries, thanks to the work of Putnam County Fire Department firefighters.The fire happened around 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at a residence on South Harmony Court, according to Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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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.
Dazavious Little

Dazavious Little

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Driver surrenders to authorities

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An Eatonton man surrendered to authorities Friday and faces various traffic-related charges, including serious injury by vehicle.
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

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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.
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