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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Landscapers tout trees for Eatonton downtown

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Last Wednesday, during the monthly Eatonton-Putnam Tourism, Arts and Heritage (EPTAH) meeting at the downtown Chamber of Commerce office, landscape designers Ben Proulx and Casey Marbutt of Sandy Creek LandCraft encouraged city leaders to think bigger — greener — about shaping downtown Eatonton’s...
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

More students graduating from Georgia public colleges, universities

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
The number of students who earn a degree at a public college or university in Georgia keeps rising. Enrollment has been growing, too, but that is not the only reason for the University System of Georgia (USG) 's increasing graduation rates.Enrollment has increased 12.
Sometimes, it's just smoke

Sometimes, it's just smoke

Sometimes, it's just smoke

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, October 16, 2025
The Putnam County Fire Department was called to Great Waters this morning when a homeowner was alerted by their smoke alarm. Fire Chief Thomas McClain said it turned out not to be a fire after all.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Solar power and data centers a focus for PSC candidate

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
A solar power advocate running for a seat on Georgia's energy regulatory agency made his case without opposition on Wednesday after his opponent declined to participate in a televised debate.“Why didn't you have the courage to show up today and defend your six rate hikes in two years?
Lyn Romine (left) and Georgia Writers Museum Director Melissa Swindell made an impassioned pitch before the Eatonton Council to inaugurate its recently purchased, former Putnam County Elementary School as the host building for a special, touring Smithsonian exhibit next April. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lyn Romine (left) and Georgia Writers Museum Director Melissa Swindell made an impassioned pitch before the Eatonton Council to inaugurate its recently purchased, former Putnam County Elementary School as the host building for a special, touring Smithsonian exhibit next April. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Eatonton city council tables Smithsonian exhibit request

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Eatonton City Council spent much of its latest scheduled meeting, Oct. 7, debating whether it’s ready or even willing to host a touring Smithsonian Institution exhibit. The council ultimately tabled the proposal until a committee can review the space, policy, and cost issues involved.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Personal watercraft crash on Lake Sinclair

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
A crash between two personal watercraft resulted in one teen being flown by medical helicopter to an area hospital for injuries, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.The crash happened around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 11, on the Putnam County side of Lake Sinclair.
JoAnn Smith (l-r), Cassandra Fowler and Becky Meyer in front of The Messenger office. CONTRIBUTED

JoAnn Smith (l-r), Cassandra Fowler and Becky Meyer in front of The Messenger office. CONTRIBUTED

In memory of Becky Meyer

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Rebecca Meyer, less formally known as Becky, was a voice for The Eatonton Messenger for 34 years.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid (center) was joined by his wife and City Councilmember for Ward 3 Janie Reid, and Ward 2 Councilmember James Gorley in accepting a $1 million Community Development Block Grant for flood mitigation work on the south side of the city. CONTRIBUTED

Eatonton Mayor John Reid (center) was joined by his wife and City Councilmember for Ward 3 Janie Reid, and Ward 2 Councilmember James Gorley in accepting a $1 million Community Development Block Grant for flood mitigation work on the south side of the city. CONTRIBUTED

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Eatonton receives $1M grant for flooding fix

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
A long-standing flooding problem in one of Eatonton’s neighborhoods will soon get another major fix, thanks to a $1 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) the city received Oct. 6. It represents the largest grant of its type the city has ever received.
Superintendent Derick Austin (right) with HEART recipient Florrie Willaims. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

Superintendent Derick Austin (right) with HEART recipient Florrie Willaims. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff

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PCMS performs for Board of Education

Bailey Ballard
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Putnam County Middle School presented its annual showcase to the Putnam County Board of Education on Oct. 6.The meeting began with the recognition of this month’s HEART recipients, Putnam County Charter School System bookkeeper Stephanie DeLoach and bus driver Florrie Williams.
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