News

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Summer burn ban for Putnam County in place

News Staff

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Putnam County Fire Department announced a burn ban early this month for the open burning of yard and land-clearing debris.The ban falls under the Georgia Environmental Protection Division’s Rules for Air Quality Control 391-31.02-5.

Ahmer Chodhary

Convenience store raided by authorities; two arrested

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Once again, the Georgia Lottery may have been cheated out of potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars because a license holder is accused of not following the law.Putnam County Sheriff’s Office detectives Lt. Harry Luke and J.

Putnam County authorities pull over the vehicle traveling back from Macon that led to the arrest of an Eatonton man on drug trafficking charges. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

Meth Bust: Suspected trafficker arrested in Putnam County

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

An Eatonton man was arrested earlier this week by deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division Drug Unit.Deputies stopped and arrested Shawn Daniel Malm on May 10 as he drove into Putnam County after allegedly picking up methamphetamine in Macon, according to Lt.

County Commission Chairman candidate Steve Hersey appeared ready to take on all comers last Friday during a Putnam County P&Z meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Heated P&Z meeting leaves quarry hearing date intact

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

A tense and frequently emotional meeting of the Putnam County Planning & Zoning Commission reached its peak on May 8 when former county chairman and current District 3 Commissioner Stephen Hersey suggested to P&Z Commission Chairman Charles Gray, “Let’s take this out to the parking lot.

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton council defends new rules for events and parades

Ian Tocher

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Public comments over parade restrictions and new event regulations took center stage May 5 during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Eatonton City Council, as multiple residents challenged city leaders over what they described as unfair treatment of parade participants and privately promoted...

Helen Nelson and Lt. Tracey Pitoccheli reminisce how they became friends many years before Pitoccheli became a deputy and worked for PCSO. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Nelson honored for many years of service at sheriff’s office

Lynn Hobbs

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Lots of laughter, stories, hugs, fond memories, and the aroma of barbecue filled the conference/courtroom of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office last week in celebration of Helen Nelson’s many years of service and retirement.

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

BOC rejects reporting change, talks hospital/fire services

Ian Tocher

Thursday, May 7, 2026

The Putnam County Board of Commissioners spent much of its April 21 meeting focused on core operations, including healthcare infrastructure and fire protection, while rejecting a proposed ordinance change tied to financial disclosures for appointed board members.

Image via Google

Hundreds have voted early in May 19 races

Josh Lurie

Thursday, May 7, 2026

More than 900 votes have been cast for the May 19 primary election that will decide who will serve on the Putnam County Board of Commissioners, along with statewide races.

William Gilbert enjoys the celebration of his career as an educator in Putnam County. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Teacher honored for more than 60 years of positive influence

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, May 7, 2026

If you want a practical example of what Jackie Robinson was talking about, you need look no further than the life of Mr. William Gilbert, who was honored at a Head Start reunion recently.

STOCK PHOTO

Convenience store raided by authorities

Lynn Hobbs

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

A local convenience store was temporarily closed on Wednesday after local authorities raided it and arrested the only employee in the store. The BP Food Mart at 101 Mays Rd.

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