Howard Sills

Dennis James Talley

Dennis James Talley

Man jailed for stalking teen encountered at stop light

A 17-year-old Eatonton girl stopped at a red light on the Eatonton Bypass/U.S. Hwy. 441 last week, and it was there that a nightmare began for her. She noticed a man following her and, at some point, when it was obvious he was not going to stop, she became so scared that she called 911.
Ryan Winfield

Ryan Winfield

Local, state, federal authorities raid local businesses

The presence of a large number of various law enforcement agencies, their vehicles’ flashing blue lights, and the closings of numerous businesses last week caught the attention of Putnam County residents and piqued their curiosity, according to overheard conversations and social media comments.
Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills demonstrates his “Sheriffing Gauge” in his office at PCSO headquarters in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills demonstrates his “Sheriffing Gauge” in his office at PCSO headquarters in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam A to Z: S is for Sheriff

A to Z Editor’s note: This year, The Eatonton Messenger embarked on an alphabetical tour of Putnam County, exploring and exposing something – or someone – unique, significant, unusual, or just plain interesting. The series will continue into 2024 until completion.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

District Attorney becomes Putnam’s solicitor

Putnam County is now saving money in its court system, specifically in the state court, according to authorities. Until now, Putnam County State Court cases were prosecuted by an elected solicitor general. But as of January, that duty has been taken by the district attorney’s office.
Joshua Youngblood

Joshua Youngblood

Fugitive captured in Texas

A man being sought by local authorities for more than two years was arrested last week in Texas. And once again, Putnam County Sheriff Sills repeated his sentiments of the state’s justice system being at fault.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

PCSO investigating rash of stolen utility vehicles

Putnam County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies are investigating a rash of stolen utility task vehicles (UTVs), lifted golf carts, and zero-turn lawnmowers on trailers from residences around Lakes Sinclair and Oconee.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Part-time Putnam resident killed in crash

A Marietta man was killed Monday morning while traveling to his house on Lake Sinclair, authorities say. Richard Leon Henderson, 70, died when his vehicle left the road and crashed into trees at about 11:30 a.m., according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.