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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Driver distracted by cell phone at fault in crash

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 4, 2024
A high school student was reportedly ticketed for distracted driving after looking down at his cell phone, which subsequently caused a serious crash.Nicholas Sills, 18, of Eatonton, was driving home from Putnam County High School on March 6 in his 2011 Ford F-150.
Richard B. Barber

Richard B. Barber

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Six-time felon arrested with guns and drugs

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 4, 2024
An unidentified man attempted to break into a house in which some teens were home alone, but the family’s dogs scared him off. A short time later, an arrest was made across the street on charges unrelated to the attempted break-in, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Commissioners listen to litany of citizens’ concerns

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 4, 2024
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners met on March 19 and the public question period drew comments from Barbara Vargo, asking commissioners to consider allowing additional structures to be built on a property without requiring an exemption request, so long as the property is large enough to...
The new Classic City Arena is scheduled for completion shortly before the yet-to-be-named Athens pro hockey team plays its inaugural game Oct. 26 as a member of the professional Federal Prospects Hockey League. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The new Classic City Arena is scheduled for completion shortly before the yet-to-be-named Athens pro hockey team plays its inaugural game Oct. 26 as a member of the professional Federal Prospects Hockey League. IAN TOCHER/Staff

New arena coming to Athens

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 4, 2024
Professional ice hockey is coming soon to Athens, with a brand-new team set to begin play this October in an arena still under construction as part of The Classic Center.“I know a lot of you have been waiting for this moment and the time has arrived.
The Putnam County Family Connection Collaborative (PCFCC) held its March meeting last Wednesday morning. EMME CLAUSE/Staff

The Putnam County Family Connection Collaborative (PCFCC) held its March meeting last Wednesday morning. EMME CLAUSE/Staff

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Putnam Collaborative reviews FY25 plan

Emme Clause
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The Putnam County Family Connection Collaborative (PCFCC) held its March meeting last Wednesday morning, when community members in the healthcare sector, school system, local businesses, and more met in the reception hall of The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.
Terrence O’Deius Paul

Terrence O’Deius Paul

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‘Feel good pill’ lands Eatonton man in jail

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Green items found in baggies inside of a car during a traffic stop on St. Patrick’s Day didn’t bring any good luck to the driver. Instead of the end of the rainbow, the man was taken to jail by authorities.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Lawmakers target illegal immigrants

Dave Williams
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
The Georgia Senate passed two bills aimed at illegal immigration this week, one day after the father of murder victim Laken Riley urged lawmakers to take a tougher stand on the issue.The 22-year-old nursing student was killed on the University of Georgia campus in Athens last month.
EPD Fire Chief Jamey Williamson is looking for similar volunteers – and employers – willing to put in the time and allow the time to help out the Eatonton Fire Department. IAN TOCHER/Staff

EPD Fire Chief Jamey Williamson is looking for similar volunteers – and employers – willing to put in the time and allow the time to help out the Eatonton Fire Department. IAN TOCHER/Staff

EFD chief seeking volunteer recruits

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 27, 2024
Eatonton Fire Department Chief Jamey Williamson is looking for a few good men – and women – interested in joining him in a new role.
T. Wright Barksdale at his desk in the Jones County District Attorney’s Office. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

T. Wright Barksdale at his desk in the Jones County District Attorney’s Office. DEBBIE LURIE-SMITH/Staff

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Barksdale looks forward to four more years

Debbie Lurie-smith
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
When qualifying ended at noon on March 8, the Ocumulgee Judicial Circuit district attorney had no opposition, which means another four years in the office for T. Wright Barksdale III.
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