Eatonton City Council

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

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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.
Recently elected Ward 3 City Councilmember Fredrick Lowe is already making his presence felt at meetings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Recently elected Ward 3 City Councilmember Fredrick Lowe is already making his presence felt at meetings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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New councilman offers opinions on ‘home’

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
After winning the Eatonton Ward 3 election last November, and now with several meetings under his belt in the new year, rookie Eatonton City Council member Rev. Fred Lowe said the job has so far matched expectations.
Eatonton resident Janet Kelhoffer addressed the Eatonton City Council on Monday night with local concerns about a proposed granite quarry farther south in the county. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton resident Janet Kelhoffer addressed the Eatonton City Council on Monday night with local concerns about a proposed granite quarry farther south in the county. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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City council hears quarry concerns, approves house rezoning

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
The Eatonton City Council met Monday night for its second of two regularly scheduled meetings in February.
With Mayor John Reid seated behind them (far left), starting second from left, Councilmembers James Gorley, Teresa Doster, Mylle Mangum, and new addition Fredrick Lowe face Putnam County State Court Judge Michael Gailey (far right), who administered the Jan. 6 swearing-in ceremony at the county administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

With Mayor John Reid seated behind them (far left), starting second from left, Councilmembers James Gorley, Teresa Doster, Mylle Mangum, and new addition Fredrick Lowe face Putnam County State Court Judge Michael Gailey (far right), who administered the Jan. 6 swearing-in ceremony at the county administration building. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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City council swears in members, advances new charter

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Eatonton City Council held its first meeting of the new year, Jan. 6, opening with a swearing- in ceremony for several council members.
Janie Reid

Janie Reid

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Exit address from city councilmember Janie Reid

Janie Reid
Thursday, December 18, 2025
As many of you know, December 15th marked my final meeting as a member of the Eatonton City Council. I leave this role with a grateful heart, a deep sense of peace, and sincere gratitude.Serving alongside Mayor Reid and my fellow Councilmembers has been one of the great honors of my public life.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid hugs his wife, Janie, at the close of her outgoing city council meeting on Monday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid hugs his wife, Janie, at the close of her outgoing city council meeting on Monday night. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Eatonton council holds final meeting of 2025

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 18, 2025
The Eatonton City Council met Monday evening in a largely ceremonial and forward-looking session, highlighted by the final meeting for Ward 3 representative Janie Reid, who was defeated in November’s election for her seat after seven years on the council.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

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Eatonton council awards $1M gas line contract

Ian Tocher
Thursday, November 20, 2025
With a second-straight light agenda, the Eatonton City Council met for approximately half an hour Monday night.The first order of business was to approve a revised memorandum of understanding with the Putnam County Charter School System.
Prior to last Tuesday’s council meeting, retired Eatonton Fire Department Deputy Chief Carl Buckner, Sr. (center, white shirt) was presented with an official plaque recognizing “25 years of untiring service to the citizens of Eatonton,” by Mayor John Reid, EFD Chief Jamey Williamson, and all city council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Prior to last Tuesday’s council meeting, retired Eatonton Fire Department Deputy Chief Carl Buckner, Sr. (center, white shirt) was presented with an official plaque recognizing “25 years of untiring service to the citizens of Eatonton,” by Mayor John Reid, EFD Chief Jamey Williamson, and all city council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Council increases Briar Patch financial commitment

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
The Eatonton City Council met on Wednesday, Nov. 5, with a relatively light agenda, resulting in a brief 35-minute meeting. Also of note, Mayor Pro Tem Chip Walker returned to the council following recovery from a serious bicycle accident.
Janie Reid

Janie Reid

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Janie Reid: ‘I have not closed the door on politics’

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
After losing her Ward 3 council seat to Fred Lowe in last Tuesday’s municipal election, Janie Reid will remain in office until the end of 2025, with Lowe assuming the position in the new year.Regardless, Reid says she may have lost an election, but she’s not going to be stepping out of public life.
Fred Lowe

Fred Lowe

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Lowe outlines vision upon winning Ward 3 seat

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
Eatonton Ward 3 Councilman-elect Fred Lowe was not available to comment this week, but he used a Facebook livestream address late last week to thank voters for their support and outline his priorities as he prepares to take office early next year.
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