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Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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County concerned about size of quarry crowd

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
As public opposition to a proposed granite quarry along Dennis Station Road continues to grow, Putnam County officials are racing against a tight deadline to secure a larger venue for upcoming public hearings expected to draw hundreds of residents.
Sammy Lackey

Sammy Lackey

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Man menaces friends with gun; charged for terroristic threats

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Several people called 911 after a friend allegedly pointed a gun at them and threatened to shoot up their house, according to law enforcement reports.Putnam County Deputy Sheriff Hollie Collins responded to a residence in the 100 block of Friendship Road between 7 and 8:30 a.m.
Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

Adrian Cornejo-Bueno

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Deputies assaulted; offender arrested

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Two Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies recently responded to a 911 call about a fight and ended up in a violent struggle with the suspect. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said one of the deputies was taken to the hospital following the incident.
Paul Van Haute

Paul Van Haute

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County manager Van Haute retires, Lombard takes reigns

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Longtime Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute announced plans to retire several months ago and served his final day in office last week. Waiting in the wings to replace him is former Greene County Manager Byron Lombard, who sat beside Van Haute for the May 19 county commission meeting.
In his remarks, U.S. Army Sgt. and Vietnam veteran Rudy Hicks urged attendees to remember both the sacrifices made by America’s military and the responsibilities of those still living. IAN TOCHER/Staff

In his remarks, U.S. Army Sgt. and Vietnam veteran Rudy Hicks urged attendees to remember both the sacrifices made by America’s military and the responsibilities of those still living. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Memorial Day: Ceremony recognizes Putnam County’s fallen veterans

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 28, 2026
On Monday morning, under gray skies in downtown Eatonton, veterans, families, and community members gathered at Putnam County Wall of Honor Park to honor local service members who never returned home. The annual Memorial Day ceremony featured remarks from U.S. Army Sgt.
Steve Hersey

Steve Hersey

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Hersey, Ray, Olson win GOP nominations for BOC

Josh Lurie
Thursday, May 28, 2026
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners was set to have a new look in 2027, regardless of the election, as Chairman Bill Sharp and Commissioner Jeff Wooten chose not to run for re-election.
Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

News Staff
Monday, May 25, 2026
Memorial Day turned tragic for a local family when a local man lost his life in a vehicle crash.Johnie Prothro, 85, of Eatonton, was killed around 2 p.m. in the wreck on State Route 16/Sparta Highway.
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