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Tom Thompson is an Eatonton resident. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Tom Thompson is an Eatonton resident. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Know your Neighbor: Tom Thompson

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
About a week before Tom Thompson turned 90 this June, he marked the milestone not with quiet retreat, but renewed vigor.Just days before his birthday, he was in a Gainesville hospital undergoing a robotic heart valve repair. He was back home in Eatonton within less than 48 hours.
Photo by Matt Smith

Photo by Matt Smith

Minor injuries sustained in 7-vehicle wreck at intersection

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 28, 2025
There were seven vehicles, but only a couple of minor injuries in a crash at the Walmart intersection on Thursday afternoon.“It’s a miracle no one was seriously hurt,” Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said.The police department received the call a few minutes before 2 p.m.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Commission tables Phoenix Crossing gas station request

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Putnam County commissioners hit the pause button last Tuesday on a controversial rezoning request that would allow a convenience store with gas pumps near the Phoenix Crossing subdivision.
Allyn Rippin

Allyn Rippin

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New NHN director addresses EPTAH meeting

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
When Allyn Rippin stood before the Eatonton Putnam Tourism, Arts, and Heritage (EPTAH) committee members last Wednesday morning, she shared both her personal story and the community's mission.
Federal authorities have assumed control of the scene of last week’s plane crash, according to a social media post by Baldwin County Fire Rescue. BCFR/Facebook

Federal authorities have assumed control of the scene of last week’s plane crash, according to a social media post by Baldwin County Fire Rescue. BCFR/Facebook

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Pilot, dog killed in plane crash off Georgia SR 212

Staff Reports
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Baldwin County Fire Rescue, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin County Emergency Management Agency, and Atrium EMS responded to a Cessna 310 plane crash at around 6:30 p.m. Aug. 23 off of Nelson Road in Milledgeville.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Georgia ports' economic impact on the rise

Dave Williams
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Trade through Georgia’s ports supported 650,965 full-and part-time jobs across the state during the last fiscal year, the Georgia Ports Authority reported Tuesday.The number of statewide jobs grew by 41,770 in fiscal 2024, up 7% from the previous fiscal year.
Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills’ facial expression doesn’t hide his feelings on this holstered BB gun pistol and altered law enforcement badge used in several crimes in and around Putnam County. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills’ facial expression doesn’t hide his feelings on this holstered BB gun pistol and altered law enforcement badge used in several crimes in and around Putnam County. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

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Two arrested in investigation of burglaries, thefts, counterfeits

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A four-month rash of burglaries, mail thefts, identity fraud, and shoplifting reportedly came to an end last week with the arrest of two men in Putnam County. And although many arrests are made without incident, these two were anything but, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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BOC approves Twin Bridges cell tower

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
During its Aug. 19 meeting, the Putnam County Commission heard of plans to construct a 255-foot cell tower to improve cellular service and broadband access for rural residents near the west end of Lake Sinclair.
This rendering shows part of the sprawling campus Rivian intends to build at Stanton Springs North along the Morgan-Newton county line. FILE PHOTO

This rendering shows part of the sprawling campus Rivian intends to build at Stanton Springs North along the Morgan-Newton county line. FILE PHOTO

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Rivian plans celebrations; opponents face state in court

Skyla Morris
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
Rivian Automotive is preparing to host two celebratory events for the planned construction of a 2,000-acre manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, spanning Rutledge and Social Circle. Rivian intends to host a community event on Sept.
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