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L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Chairman breaks tie to confirm HB 581 opt-in

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
It came down to one word. After more than an hour of debate in a meeting last Friday, one word ultimately determined the Putnam County Commission's decision to opt into State House Bill 581 as it stands.
In the past few months, the Port of Savannah has handled more than 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units. CONTRIBUTED

In the past few months, the Port of Savannah has handled more than 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units. CONTRIBUTED

Ports of Savannah, Brunswick report healthy growth

Dave Williams
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
The Georgia Ports Authority is reporting a strong first half to the current fiscal year.From July through December, the Port of Savannah handled more than 2.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containerized cargo, an increase of 11.4% over the same period the previous year.
Antoni Javan Swain

Antoni Javan Swain

Children removed from home by DFCS

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Three children were recently removed from their home due to filthy living conditions, and the father was arrested for cruelty, according to law enforcement.
Ronald Lee Farley

Ronald Lee Farley

Man arrested for stabbing girlfriend

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Eatonton police officers were called by Putnam County EMS to the Shell station on Sumter Street recently for a woman who was reportedly injured by a knife and bleeding.
Filmo Sanchez-Medrano

Filmo Sanchez-Medrano

Alcohol and guns around bonfire lead to arrest

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Several residents around South Washington Street in Eatonton called 911 when they reportedly heard multiple gunshots around 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 12.According to his report, Eatonton Police Department Officer Chad Burket drove to the area and heard gunshots.
These coin operated amusement machines in the Quick Pantry store in Eatonton yielded cash winnings for those who played them. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

These coin operated amusement machines in the Quick Pantry store in Eatonton yielded cash winnings for those who played them. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

Store raids yield four arrests

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Authorities said the owners and clerks of two convenience stores in Eatonton were arrested last week.Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said he had received numerous complaints that the stores were paying out cash winnings on their gambling machines.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Accident claims the lives of two Morgan County boys

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Two Morgan County boys died in a tragic ATV accident on the afternoon of Jan. 20, and another was life-flighted to an area hospital due to his injuries. Bennett Rabern, 12, and Avett Jackson, 12, were both pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.
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