News

The now-empty Putnam County Elementary School on South Washington Street in Eatonton will eventually be repurposed as a centralized City of Eatonton government and services center. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The now-empty Putnam County Elementary School on South Washington Street in Eatonton will eventually be repurposed as a centralized City of Eatonton government and services center. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City confirms purchase of elementary school property

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The biggest news from Monday night’s Eatonton city council meeting came in its final few minutes.
Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain (second from left) welcomes firefighters to Station 7 in the Long Shoals area of the county. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain (second from left) welcomes firefighters to Station 7 in the Long Shoals area of the county. CONTRIBUTED

County opens new full-time fire station

News Staff
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The Putnam County Fire Department announced last week that as of July 1, PCFD Station 7 in the Long Shoals area (111 Crowe Dr., Eatonton), has been assigned two full-time career firefighters and Fire Engine No. 7.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Raffensperger asks politicians to return money

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The public reaction to the meltdown of a financial institution connected to Republican politics in Georgia continued Monday as Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger called on campaign finance recipients to return any contributions from First Liberty Building and Loan or the family that controlled...
Piedmont Water lab supervisor Kyle Craig (second from left) speaks to visitors about his work in the site’s microbiology lab. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Piedmont Water lab supervisor Kyle Craig (second from left) speaks to visitors about his work in the site’s microbiology lab. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Piedmont Water welcomes tour visitors

Skyla Morris
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Piedmont Water Company, a privately owned water and wastewater provider based in Eatonton, is one of the largest of its kind in the Southeast. The company operates a water treatment plant at Lake Oconee, offering monthly public tours.
Lakika Culp

Lakika Culp

Woman jailed for theft from employer

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
An Eatonton woman was arrested last week for stealing approximately $2,000 worth of electronics while she was working at Walmart.Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said Lakika Culp had worked at Walmart in Eatonton for almost 20 years.
Eatonton native Virginia Reid Edwards received her AACEC award from Eatonton Mayor John Reid, signifying her role as one of the first Black women to be hired as a telephone operator in 1965 by Southern Bell in Atlanta. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton native Virginia Reid Edwards received her AACEC award from Eatonton Mayor John Reid, signifying her role as one of the first Black women to be hired as a telephone operator in 1965 by Southern Bell in Atlanta. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Rock Eagle hosts inaugural AACEC awards ceremony

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
The fledgling African American Cultural Experiences Complex (AACEC) held its inaugural awards luncheon and ceremony on July 12 at the Rock Eagle 4H Center.
Dorothy “Dottie” Anne Sprouse McClain (CONTRIBUTED)

Dorothy “Dottie” Anne Sprouse McClain (CONTRIBUTED)

‘Dottie’ McClain made an impact on Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Eatonton lost one of its most prominent citizens on July 4, as Dorothy “Dottie” Anne Sprouse McClain, 83, peacefully passed away in bed at home on Madison Avenue.Born November 2, 1941, in Charlottesville, Va., Dottie grew up with just one sister, Paula Lee Spradlin, who is now deceased.
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