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Last Tuesday, Eatonton’s historic Putnam County Courthouse was the site of the first of three scheduled community meetings to address local opioid and other addictive drug problems. Panelists gave opinions and also listened to comments from members of the public. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Last Tuesday, Eatonton’s historic Putnam County Courthouse was the site of the first of three scheduled community meetings to address local opioid and other addictive drug problems. Panelists gave opinions and also listened to comments from members of the public. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Beyond the Bell: Leaders convene to address community opioid issues

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Several community leaders and officials turned out on June 17 at the Putnam County Courthouse in Eatonton to discuss and address the county’s serious opioid use and addiction issues, and what resources are available to combat seemingly endless problems related to opioid abuse.
Image provided by Google

Image provided by Google

Smith Communications receives GPA awards

News Staff
Sunday, June 22, 2025
Awards were presented June 20 during the Georgia Press Association (GPA) convention at Jekyll Island to celebrate outstanding achievements in community journalism.In this year’s editorial contest, 482 awards were presented in 42 categories to 74 newspapers from 2,213 total entries.
In a presentation at Barrel 118 on Friday night, Kevin Tomson-Hooper introduced four new artworks to the Eatonton Sculpture Trail, including “Delicate Balance,” which has been installed outside The Artisans Village Gallery on West Marion Street. IAN TOCHER/Staff

In a presentation at Barrel 118 on Friday night, Kevin Tomson-Hooper introduced four new artworks to the Eatonton Sculpture Trail, including “Delicate Balance,” which has been installed outside The Artisans Village Gallery on West Marion Street. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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New artworks expand Eatonton sculpture trail

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Observant visitors to downtown Eatonton will no doubt notice a few changes to the sculpture trail introduced last year.
Santos Gavino Augstin-Pascual

Santos Gavino Augstin-Pascual

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Man jailed for stabbing roommate, fleeing police

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
An Eatonton man stabbed his roommate, punched the glass out of a window, and ran from officers, but he now sits in Putnam County jail, according to authorities.Eatonton Police Officer Chad Burket responded to a 911 call regarding a fight between roommates around 2:30 a.m.
The large pecan tree that was “a nice shade tree,” now lies where it crashed into the roof of the Leverett homeplace. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

The large pecan tree that was “a nice shade tree,” now lies where it crashed into the roof of the Leverett homeplace. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Finding blessings in the storm

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
As she drove home last Saturday evening, Shawn Leverett saw what appeared to be a storm with lightning and heavy rain ahead to the east of her. Then she pulled in her long driveway.“Trees were down, and then I saw something dark in the headlights,” she said.
Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls presents Kevin Thompson with the H.E.A.R.T. Award. LINDSEY RICKMAN/PCCSS

Assistant Superintendent Scott Sauls presents Kevin Thompson with the H.E.A.R.T. Award. LINDSEY RICKMAN/PCCSS

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BOE names HEART award recipients

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Putnam County Board of Education members discussed a borrowing resolution, approved personnel changes, and recognized several outstanding employees at their monthly work session and a called meeting on Monday night.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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New area code coming to Georgia

Dave Williams
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Georgia will soon be getting an 11th area code, with the new 565 area code being added as an overlay to the existing 912 area code in the southeastern part of the state, the Georgia Public Service Commission announced on Tuesday.
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