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L-R: Rebecca Wilson, daughter of Darren Alford; Barrett and Kierston Tuel, owner of Giant Subs and Oconee Wild Watersports; Cathy Tuel, manager of Giant Subs, and Terry Tuel. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Rebecca Wilson, daughter of Darren Alford; Barrett and Kierston Tuel, owner of Giant Subs and Oconee Wild Watersports; Cathy Tuel, manager of Giant Subs, and Terry Tuel. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Alford family receives donation

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 16, 2024
The family of injured Putnam County Fire Department Battalion Chief Darren Alford visited Farmers & Merchant Bank in Eatonton last Thursday, where they were presented with a check for $2,500 donated by Giant Subs at Oconee Wild Watersports.
Residents, business owners and community leaders attended the GDOT open house at the Putnam County Administration building on Tuesday, May 7 to see the latest plans for the widening of Highway 44. The project could start early next year. MARK ENGEL/Staff

Residents, business owners and community leaders attended the GDOT open house at the Putnam County Administration building on Tuesday, May 7 to see the latest plans for the widening of Highway 44. The project could start early next year. MARK ENGEL/Staff

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Highway 44 widening plan sees little change

Mark Engel
Thursday, May 16, 2024
There was an armed guard at the Putnam County Administration building Tuesday evening, but there were no demonstrations, sit-down protests, gunfire, or food fights.
Following the May 7 city council meeting, Eatonton Mayor John Reid posed with a symbolic $326,821 check from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation as part of its Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant program, intended to help cities and municipalities replace aging and deteriorating natural gas delivery systems. Reid said he greatly appreciates the help from federal authorities to advance Eatonton’s ongoing modernization efforts. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Following the May 7 city council meeting, Eatonton Mayor John Reid posed with a symbolic $326,821 check from the U.S. Dept. of Transportation as part of its Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant program, intended to help cities and municipalities replace aging and deteriorating natural gas delivery systems. Reid said he greatly appreciates the help from federal authorities to advance Eatonton’s ongoing modernization efforts. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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City council approves Scouts and historic home variance

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Eatonton City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on May 7. The meeting opened with a brief presentation by Lyn Hendren-Romine of the Eatonton Historic Preservation Commission (EHPC).
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Rivian recharged by Illinois investment; company stands by Georgia site

Josh Lurie
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Rivian Automotive announced on May 2 that the State of Illinois offered an $827 million incentive package to expand its electric vehicle manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois, to produce its new mid-sized SUV line, known as the R2.Why is that important to Lake Country?
Incumbent State Sen. Rick Williams has had eight years of state legislative experience. CONTRIBUTED

Incumbent State Sen. Rick Williams has had eight years of state legislative experience. CONTRIBUTED

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Williams offers experience in re-election bid

Greenberry Moore
Thursday, May 9, 2024
State Sen. Rick Williams of Milledgeville has opposition in the May 21 Republican Primary who advocates legislation he believes he could never support.Williams, seeking his second term in the Senate and fifth overall in the General Assembly, is being challenged by Leland Olinger of Locust Grove.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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PDA holds county strategy session

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, May 9, 2024
The Putnam Development Authority (PDA) board of directors held a working lunch and strategy session last Tuesday at Cuscowilla to discuss current projects and plans for the future.
Panola Hall is an 1854 Greek Revival-style home that is supposedly haunted by Eatonton’s local ghost Sylvia. The owners of the home own Sylvia’s Coffee. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Panola Hall is an 1854 Greek Revival-style home that is supposedly haunted by Eatonton’s local ghost Sylvia. The owners of the home own Sylvia’s Coffee. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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GTHP Expedition will tour historic Eatonton

News Staff
Thursday, May 9, 2024
The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation (GTHP) will showcase Eatonton's rich history and architecture during the GTHP Expedition on Aug. 17.
Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club tent was kept busy throughout the day. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Pete Nance Boys & Girls Club tent was kept busy throughout the day. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

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BBQ Festival gets cooking in Greensboro

Leigh Lofgren
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Despite the threat of rain, many hungry people took to the fields of The Farm last Saturday for the 2nd annual BBQ Festival, a significant event that directly benefits the Pete Nance Boys and Girls Club of Greensboro.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Early voting underway in Putnam County

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Early voting for several local and state political positions is available now in Putnam County. It began on April 29 and continues through May 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, excluding Sundays.
Fans clearly enjoyed the set by DraKarr and An Experience Saturday afternoon during the 3rd annual “Peg Leg” Howell BBQ & Blues Festival at Eatonton’s City Center Stage. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Fans clearly enjoyed the set by DraKarr and An Experience Saturday afternoon during the 3rd annual “Peg Leg” Howell BBQ & Blues Festival at Eatonton’s City Center Stage. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

‘Peg Leg’ Blues Festival takes over Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 9, 2024
One of the largest crowds in recent memory packed the grounds of Eatonton’s City Center Stage on Saturday as the 3rd annual “Peg Leg” Howell BBQ & Blues Festival presented nonstop music, dancing, and fire-born dining all day long and well into the night.
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