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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Putnam man’s death under investigation

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, July 23, 2026
A death investigation is underway after a Putnam County man’s body and car were found submerged in the Oconee River at Lake Sinclair early Saturday, according to authorities.Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews identified the man as 26-year-old Tyrin Winkfield, of northeastern Putnam County.
Source of the controversy: two buckets of coal ash at the soon-to-beactivated Plant Branch facility for treating coal ash and transforming it into a concretehardening agent. COURTESY GEORGIA POWER

Source of the controversy: two buckets of coal ash at the soon-to-beactivated Plant Branch facility for treating coal ash and transforming it into a concretehardening agent. COURTESY GEORGIA POWER

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EPA proposes new coal ash permit plan

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new permitting approach that could affect coal ash cleanup projects nationwide, including ongoing closure and recycling efforts at Georgia Power’s retired Plant Branch in southern Putnam County.
Recently installed Putnam General Hospital CEO Todd Goss addressed EPTAH representatives meeting at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in downtown Eatonton last Wednesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Recently installed Putnam General Hospital CEO Todd Goss addressed EPTAH representatives meeting at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in downtown Eatonton last Wednesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Future plans outlined by new PGH chief

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Just seven weeks into his tenure as chief executive officer of Putnam General Hospital, Todd “Tog” Goss says one of the hospital’s biggest challenges has nothing to do with patient care. Instead, it’s making sure people know what PGH has to offer.
Body found in the Oconee River at Lake Sinclair

Body found in the Oconee River at Lake Sinclair

Body found in the Oconee River at Lake Sinclair

Lynn Hobbs
Monday, July 20, 2026
A death investigation is underway after a Putnam County man’s body was found submerged in the Oconee River at Lake Sinclair early Saturday, according to authorities.Hancock County Coroner Dontrelle Andrews identified the man as 26-year-old Tyrin Winkfield, of northeastern Putnam County.
Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell (left) introduced Officer Matthew Shiver to the council, emphasizing how well Shiver did in his 16-week, staterun police academy training. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell (left) introduced Officer Matthew Shiver to the council, emphasizing how well Shiver did in his 16-week, staterun police academy training. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Eatonton council addresses varied issues

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Eatonton City Council approved a series of infrastructure, transportation and administrative measures during its regularly scheduled meeting July 7, including a new alcohol license for a local restaurant, utility right-of-way permits and T-SPLOST funding agreements with Putnam County.
Victoria M. Lacuesta

Victoria M. Lacuesta

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Thief accused of stealing $280K nabbed at airport

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
A Texas woman was arrested after authorities say she scammed more than $280,000 from a Putnam County resident.Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said his office received a call from the U.S.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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P&Z refiling resumes quarry fight

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
Putnam County Stone (PCS) LLC has formally refiled its rezoning application for a proposed quarry in Putnam County, restarting the county’s review process with what officials describe as a “substantially revised proposal.”The new application seeks to rezone 342.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Man presumed drowned in Lake Sinclair

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
A man who was staying with friends on Lake Sinclair for the July 4th holiday was found presumably drowned Friday, about 2 p.m., according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.The body of David Hoyt Glass, 34, of Mt. Airy, Georgia, was discovered by Georgia DNR officers using sonar.
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