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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Putnam residents lose $100K-plus to scammers

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
In less than two months, scammers have stolen more than $100,000 from people in Putnam County, according to Sheriff Howard Sills.“There has been an extraordinary increase in scam callers in our community over the last several weeks,” he said. “Since Jan.
The Meat Locker opened its doors to the community on Feb. 27. CONTRIBUTED

The Meat Locker opened its doors to the community on Feb. 27. CONTRIBUTED

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The Meat Locker opens its doors to the community

News Staff
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The Meat Locker, a new family-owned and community-focused market, will officially open its doors on February 27th at 6:00 AM. Darin and Lisa Simmons own the store, which promises to offer fresh, high-quality meats, produce, and more while maintaining a small-town family atmosphere.
A Georgia DNR aviation crew searches Lake Oconee for missing boater Gary Jones last week. CONTRIBUTED/Casey Brady

A Georgia DNR aviation crew searches Lake Oconee for missing boater Gary Jones last week. CONTRIBUTED/Casey Brady

Missing boater search continues: Sheriff investigates phone data, sighting tips, dam area

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The cell phone records of the late Joycelyn Nicole Wilson of Atlanta are being investigated in hopes of gaining new insight into her death and her fiancé’s disappearance.Wilson and her betrothed, Gary Laron Jones, were boating on Lake Oconee Saturday, Feb.
Amaris Z. Porter

Amaris Z. Porter

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Local men arrested outside Washington State Prison

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Three Eatonton men were recently captured and arrested in Davisboro following a manhunt. According to a media release by Washington County Sheriff Joel Cochran, the three are accused of attempting to drop off illegal items at Washington State Prison.Around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb.
L-R: Students Noah Chamblee, Brittany Suazo Alvarez, Caroline Dial, and Kaden Thompkins received February Student of the Month certificates and swag bags from Putnam County School Superintendent Derick Austin. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Students Noah Chamblee, Brittany Suazo Alvarez, Caroline Dial, and Kaden Thompkins received February Student of the Month certificates and swag bags from Putnam County School Superintendent Derick Austin. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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BOE recognizes top students, approves security cameras

Bailey Ballard
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) Board of Education met Tuesday to recognize its February Students of the Month and approve several resolutions.
Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills talks to reporters Monday about the boating incident on Lake Oconee, after which the body of Jocelyn Nicole Wilson was discovered. Her fiance, Gary Jones, remains missing. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills talks to reporters Monday about the boating incident on Lake Oconee, after which the body of Jocelyn Nicole Wilson was discovered. Her fiance, Gary Jones, remains missing. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

New details revealed in missing boater search

News Staff
Thursday, February 20, 2025
The search for Gary Laron Jones continued Tuesday on Lake Oconee by multiple law enforcement and emergency rescue agencies.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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City considers fire training, police vehicles, credit cards

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Eatonton City Council met twice this month, on Feb. 4 and this past Monday.During the earlier meeting, the council unanimously approved a parade permit for the annual Dairy Festival Parade, presented by the Pilot Club of Eatonton and scheduled for June 7.
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