News

Kathryn Roper was named the grand prize winner, receiving a gift basket filled with items from participating vendors. CONTRIBUTED

Kathryn Roper was named the grand prize winner, receiving a gift basket filled with items from participating vendors. CONTRIBUTED

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Murder whodunit draws large crowd to downtown Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
An estimated 500 amateur sleuths took over downtown Eatonton last Saturday as they investigated a fictional murder, followed a trail of conflicting clues, and considered a cast of colorful suspects during the inaugural Eatonton Murder Mystery Shopping Crawl.
The Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Power Plant is near Baxley in South Georgia. COURTESY OF GEORGIA POWER

The Edwin I. Hatch Nuclear Power Plant is near Baxley in South Georgia. COURTESY OF GEORGIA POWER

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Two aging nuclear reactors cleared to power another generation

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
A nuclear power plant in Georgia that predates Jimmy Carter's presidency has received a new lease on life, with federal regulators approving an additional 20 years of operation, Georgia Power announced Monday.The licenses for the two reactors at the Edwin I.
Justin Peeples

Justin Peeples

Exclusive Subscriber Content

GDNR patrolling Lake Sinclair issues BUIs

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Four men who came from coastal Florida to enjoy a vacation on Lake Sinclair found lodging in Putnam County Jail last week.Justin Peoples, 18, of Yulee, Fla.; Peyton Casey, 18, of Fernandina Beach, Fla.; William Colby Crabtree, 19, of Jacksonville, Fla.
Supported by Mothers Against Crime parents and volunteers, about 100 local kids enjoyed a few hours of fun Saturday, on the water at Putnam County’s Oconee Springs Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Supported by Mothers Against Crime parents and volunteers, about 100 local kids enjoyed a few hours of fun Saturday, on the water at Putnam County’s Oconee Springs Park. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

MAC hosts annual youth rally

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
More than 100 children and their family members attended the annual youth rally on Saturday at Oconee Springs Park, hosted by Mothers Against Crime, a longtime Putnam County organization dedicated to providing positive experiences for local youth.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Exclusive Subscriber Content

City Council approves road funding applications, fire agreement

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The first of two regularly scheduled monthly meetings of the Eatonton City Council was held June 2, with city leaders approving road improvement funding applications, a fire service agreement with Putnam County, and the purchase of a vehicle for the city’s fire chief.
Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Exclusive Subscriber Content

Eatonton VFW offers ambitious vision for future

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post is looking toward a future that leaders say will look very different from the image many people have traditionally associated with veterans organizations.
Approximately 500 lighted drones are expected to create various patriotic scenes July 3, in the night sky over Eatonton. From Luna Lite on Instagram

Approximately 500 lighted drones are expected to create various patriotic scenes July 3, in the night sky over Eatonton. From Luna Lite on Instagram

Commissioners award contract for Independence Day drone show

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Last month, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved hosting a drone show celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Subscribe to