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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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County approves road work, golf course bids

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners took steps Friday afternoon to reshape the county's sign regulations while also approving road resurfacing projects, advancing plans for the next Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST), and authorizing bids for a new irrigation...
The top of this large oak tree, obviously weakened by its decayed heartwood, fell onto a utility pole and knocked down power lines in Eatonton Saturday. VICTORIA ANADENKO/Staff

The top of this large oak tree, obviously weakened by its decayed heartwood, fell onto a utility pole and knocked down power lines in Eatonton Saturday. VICTORIA ANADENKO/Staff

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Strong storms wreak havoc

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Georgia has received above-normal rainfall since June 1, according to Drought.gov and the National Weather Service.
Hans Dawson

Hans Dawson

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Quarry owner continues lobbying local support

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Facing perhaps the most organized opposition his company has encountered, Hans Dawson of Wisconsin-based Land and Stone Products and co-owner of Putnam County Stone (PCS) said the controversy surrounding a proposed granite quarry in Putnam County has become as much about communication as...
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Jones wins Putnam but loses statewide

Josh Lurie
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
In a contest that flooded airwaves, mailboxes, and cell phones for months, businessman Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones for the Republican nomination for governor in the June 16 runoff.
Legislature kills sales tax for property tax swap

Legislature kills sales tax for property tax swap

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Legislature kills sales tax for property tax swap

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Democrats in the Legislature on Monday closed the door on Republican proposals to implement new local sales taxes to offset homeowner property tax bills.On the fourth day of their special session, Republicans got a redo of a vote Saturday that nixed the tax swap.
Putnam County Public Works crews clear trees from roadways after the storm. Tri-County EMC reported almost 5,000 meters were without power in Putnam and Jones counties. (Photo from Social Media)

Putnam County Public Works crews clear trees from roadways after the storm. Tri-County EMC reported almost 5,000 meters were without power in Putnam and Jones counties. (Photo from Social Media)

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Two dead, property damaged after storm

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, left their mark on portions of Putnam County last week. A downed tree claimed the lives of two young men, while other fallen trees caused power outages and blocked roadways.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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County commission receives data center presentation

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
As data center development continues spreading outward from metro Atlanta, Putnam County may eventually find itself on the radar of companies searching for sites capable of supporting the next generation of digital infrastructure.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Putnam County Grand Jury delivers indictments

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
A Putnam County Grand Jury was presented 17 cases on June 15, including aggravated assaults that involved a gun and a knife; fighting with law enforcement officers; stealing vehicles; cruelty to children; and felony shoplifting. The jurors handed down true-bill indictments in each case.
MGRC Executive Director Greg Boike spoke before the Eatonton City Council twice on Monday night. (Ian Tocher/Staff)

MGRC Executive Director Greg Boike spoke before the Eatonton City Council twice on Monday night. (Ian Tocher/Staff)

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City approves personnel study, considers tax relief option

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
The Eatonton City Council approved changes Monday night to a long-standing personnel study agreement with the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and later took steps toward exploring a new property tax relief option for homeowners.
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