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Athens resident Paul Deaton is looking forward to showing off his find of West African art that he hopes to sell most of Oct. 11-20 while on display at Barrel 118 in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Athens resident Paul Deaton is looking forward to showing off his find of West African art that he hopes to sell most of Oct. 11-20 while on display at Barrel 118 in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Hidden African art collection to go on display, and on sale

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 9, 2025
When Athens resident Paul Deaton placed a bid on a climate-controlled storage unit nearly two years ago, he expected to find a few interesting items and hoped for some paintings or collectibles.
The new E.R. Snell plant in Eatonton should be operational sometime next month, Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute said at a recent commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The new E.R. Snell plant in Eatonton should be operational sometime next month, Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute said at a recent commission meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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BOC hears about local development

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 9, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners held its first of two scheduled monthly meetings on Oct.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Lake Sinclair drawdown requires permit procedure

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Every five years, Georgia Power lowers the water level of Lake Sinclair through a procedure called a “drawdown,” giving property owners the rare opportunity to repair, replace, or upgrade shoreline structures that are normally underwater or hard to reach.That time is returning Oct.
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

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Agencies work together to arrest drug supplier

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, October 9, 2025
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.
Photo from Google

Photo from Google

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CWC seeks funding for life care specialists

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The Christopher Wolf Crusade Alliance held a health conference on Sept. 18 in partnership with Mercer University School of Medicine and Georgia Rural Health Innovation Center.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Federal government approves Hurricane Helene aid

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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

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Rockville residents celebrate volunteer fire department history

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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

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More work left to do in fight against opioids

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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

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Milledgeville man dies in crash with log truck

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, October 1, 2025
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.
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