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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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More changes may be coming for Georgia’s voting system

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Republican lawmakers have pushed through numerous changes to Georgia’s voting system in recent years, reacting to a concern, mostly among conservatives, that lax security produced stolen elections.
Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Ellis. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Ellis. IAN TOCHER/Staff

POW stay in ‘Hanoi Hilton’ provides life lessons

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Following an introduction by BankSouth President and CEO Harold Reynolds, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Ellis took the stage at Lake Oconee Church last Thursday evening, where he presented “Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton,” a harrowing tale of courage, character, and resilience.
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

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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.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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State lawmakers study post-pandemic student absenteeism

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Five years after COVID-19 led many Georgia children to start skipping school, absenteeism rates remain stubbornly high, with students performing worse in core subjects such as math and reading.
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

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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

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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

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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

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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.
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