News

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Commissioners hear concerns, proposals

Ian Tocher
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Public access, civic celebration, and youth development took center stage on March 17, as residents addressed the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

High school cellphone ban heads to Georgia governor’s desk

Ty Tagami
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Cellphones will be banned in Georgia public high schools starting in the 2027-28 school year, if Gov. Brian Kemp signs House Bill 1009 into law.The state Senate passed the measure unanimously on Monday.“This is a great, great win for our students and our classrooms,” said Rep.
No chickens were harmed at Rose Acre Farms, according to Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain. CONTRIBUTED

No chickens were harmed at Rose Acre Farms, according to Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain. CONTRIBUTED

Firefighters free fowl from fiery fate

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Putnam County Fire Department firefighters were called to put out a fire at Rose Acres Egg Farm yesterday. Fire Chief Thomas McClain said a fire broke out in one of the chicken houses.“There were over 200,000 chickens in there, but we didn’t cook a single one of them,” he quipped.
Harold DeLoach with images of the interior of Eatonton’s PEX Theater on the screen behind him. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Harold DeLoach with images of the interior of Eatonton’s PEX Theater on the screen behind him. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Council hears PEX Theater and City Center Stage plans

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
The Eatonton City Council met Tuesday night and reviewed renovation plans for the historic Pex Theatre, approved a community sponsorship request, and awarded a bid for improvements to downtown’s City Center Stage.
No doubt, Massachusetts-born General Israel Putnam never could have imagined a central Georgia county would eventually be named after him. CONTRIBUTED

No doubt, Massachusetts-born General Israel Putnam never could have imagined a central Georgia county would eventually be named after him. CONTRIBUTED

The legend behind Putnam County

News Staff
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Legend doesn’t just happen; it’s forged in the moments when most folks are looking for the exit.Israel Putnam — “Old Put” to those who would eventually follow him into the fire of the American Revolution — wasn’t a man of polish or pedigree.
Local landowner Mark Thompson (right) addresses Putnam County Planning & Zoning Commissioner Charles Gray at the end of a tumultuous meeting March 5, as another citizen shows Gray a document on his phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Local landowner Mark Thompson (right) addresses Putnam County Planning & Zoning Commissioner Charles Gray at the end of a tumultuous meeting March 5, as another citizen shows Gray a document on his phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Property owner calls quarry letter ‘dishonest’

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
A Putnam County landowner says a letter submitted to Putnam County Planning and Development in support of the proposed rock quarry alongside Dennis Station Road incorrectly suggests that part of his property could become industrial land, a claim he strongly disputes.
Image provided by Google

Image provided by Google

Georgia Power plans coal ash move from Macon to Putnam

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Georgia Power is preparing to remove more than two million tons of potentially hazardous coal ash from storage ponds at its former Plant Arkwright site in Macon and then transport it by road to its decommissioned Plant Branch site in Putnam County, near Lake Sinclair.
Matthew M. Garcia

Matthew M. Garcia

Grand jury returns indictment for child exploitation case

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
An Eatonton man arrested earlier this month on child exploitation charges was indicted by a Putnam County grand jury Monday.Matthew Marrero Garcia, 42, of West Marion Street, was indicted on six counts of sexual exploitation of children.
Lou Benjamin of the Georgia Writers Museum also sits on the Putnam General Hospital board of directors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lou Benjamin of the Georgia Writers Museum also sits on the Putnam General Hospital board of directors. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PGH promoted through Putnam’s Golden Gala

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Community pride and purpose filled downtown Eatonton’s Barrel 118 on Saturday night, as Putnam General Hospital (PGH) leaders and supporters gathered for Putnam’s Golden Gala.
Concert promoter Brandon Riley was denied later operating hours from Eatonton City Council last Tuesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Concert promoter Brandon Riley was denied later operating hours from Eatonton City Council last Tuesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City keeps midnight deadline for concert promoter

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
The Eatonton City Council voted 4–1 last Tuesday to uphold the city’s midnight noise ordinance.Brandon Riley, owner of B. Riley Entertainment (BRE), appeared before the council seeking a one-hour extension for events he organizes and promotes at the Butler-Baker School site on Alice Walker Drive.
Subscribe to