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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Three top institutions retain high rankings

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
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.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
Francis Sagastume Garcia

Francis Sagastume Garcia

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One nabbed, one sought for human trafficking

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
One Eatonton man has been arrested, and authorities are seeking another man, both of whom are accused of human trafficking and child molestation charges.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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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.
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