John Reid

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

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.
Lyn Romine (left) and Georgia Writers Museum Director Melissa Swindell made an impassioned pitch before the Eatonton Council to inaugurate its recently purchased, former Putnam County Elementary School as the host building for a special, touring Smithsonian exhibit next April. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lyn Romine (left) and Georgia Writers Museum Director Melissa Swindell made an impassioned pitch before the Eatonton Council to inaugurate its recently purchased, former Putnam County Elementary School as the host building for a special, touring Smithsonian exhibit next April. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton city council tables Smithsonian exhibit request

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Eatonton City Council spent much of its latest scheduled meeting, Oct. 7, debating whether it’s ready or even willing to host a touring Smithsonian Institution exhibit. The council ultimately tabled the proposal until a committee can review the space, policy, and cost issues involved.
The now-empty Putnam County Elementary School on South Washington Street in Eatonton will eventually be repurposed as a centralized City of Eatonton government and services center. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The now-empty Putnam County Elementary School on South Washington Street in Eatonton will eventually be repurposed as a centralized City of Eatonton government and services center. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City confirms purchase of elementary school property

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
The biggest news from Monday night’s Eatonton city council meeting came in its final few minutes.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid (left, in black) and citizen Don Sadler exchange words following last Tuesday’s Putnam County Commission meeting, with County Manager Paul Van Haute (far left), citizen Karen Garrett, and Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain looking on. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid (left, in black) and citizen Don Sadler exchange words following last Tuesday’s Putnam County Commission meeting, with County Manager Paul Van Haute (far left), citizen Karen Garrett, and Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain looking on. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Reid remains at center of JDP controversy

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Just like July 4th, the fireworks intensified as the night wore on last Tuesday at the second of two routinely scheduled monthly Putnam County Commission meetings.
Joey “Superman” Davis (left) receives his retirement plaque from Eatonton Mayor John Reid. CONTRIBUTED

Joey “Superman” Davis (left) receives his retirement plaque from Eatonton Mayor John Reid. CONTRIBUTED

‘Superman’ receives retirement recognition

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Deputy Fire Chief Joey Davis’s last day on the job with the Eatonton Fire Department was March 31, leading to his 23 years and nine months of service being recognized prior to a city council meeting early last month. Davis received a plaque commemorating the occasion from Eatonton Mayor John Reid.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid with his wife, City Council member and Georgia Municipal Association District 6 President Janie Reid, at The Plaza last week. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid with his wife, City Council member and Georgia Municipal Association District 6 President Janie Reid, at The Plaza last week. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton hosts municipal association at The Plaza

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
The Atlanta-based Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), an organization founded in 1933 to advise, advocate for, provide training to, and collectively represent municipal governments statewide, met last Wednesday evening at The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton.
Eatonton Mayor John Reid presents an idea to Putnam Board of Education members. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Eatonton Mayor John Reid presents an idea to Putnam Board of Education members. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

BOE, Mayor Reid discuss old elementary school building

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Now that a new building is under construction for Putnam County Elementary School, what will become of the old building once it’s vacated?At their work session Monday evening, Putnam County Board of Education members learned that the city of Eatonton is monitoring the school building.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

City approves handrails, generators and juror parking

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Eatonton City Council held its regularly scheduled meeting on April 2 and discussed several safety and infrastructure issues, including the installation of handrails on steps leading to The Plaza and the execution of a sub-recipient agreement for installing generators at the city’s fire and police...
With her birthday matching her zip code – 3-10-24 – Verlia Mae Lockhart celebrated her 100th trip around the sun on Monday with Eatonton City Council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

With her birthday matching her zip code – 3-10-24 – Verlia Mae Lockhart celebrated her 100th trip around the sun on Monday with Eatonton City Council members. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City recognizes century citizen; approves cellular subscription

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Eatonton City Council met Monday night and the first order of business was a proclamation recognizing the 100th birthday of resident Verlia Mae Lockhart, who walked to and from the meeting, leaving with a couple of family members shortly after she received honors from Eatonton Mayor John Reid.
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