Putnam County

Filmo Sanchez-Medrano

Filmo Sanchez-Medrano

Alcohol and guns around bonfire lead to arrest

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Several residents around South Washington Street in Eatonton called 911 when they reportedly heard multiple gunshots around 10:45 p.m. on Jan. 12.According to his report, Eatonton Police Department Officer Chad Burket drove to the area and heard gunshots.
Aspiring authors pay close attention as an instructor goes over material during a prior Georgia Writers Museum seminar similar to GWM’s Write on the Lake event scheduled for Feb. 21-23 this year. CONTRIBUTED

Aspiring authors pay close attention as an instructor goes over material during a prior Georgia Writers Museum seminar similar to GWM’s Write on the Lake event scheduled for Feb. 21-23 this year. CONTRIBUTED

‘Write on the lake’ retreat coming to GWM

News Staff
Thursday, January 23, 2025
Georgia Writers Museum is committed to continuing the legacy of great writers through its fourth annual writers retreat, Write on the Lake, which will take place Feb. 21-23 at the museum in downtown Eatonton.The Write on the Lake event will feature 20 renowned authors from across the South.
Eatonton Messenger/File Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/File Graphic

Putnam BOC ponders pursuit of recreation grant funds

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners held its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 3. Richard Garrett, the newly elected District 2 representative, made his debut, and District 4 Commissioner Jeff Wooten was absent.
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.
Newly-elected Putnam County Board of Education District Four representative Charles Trumbo and his wife, Joelle, share a laugh with Judge Brenda Trammell just before he is sworn in. CONTRIBUTED/Alyssa Martinez

Newly-elected Putnam County Board of Education District Four representative Charles Trumbo and his wife, Joelle, share a laugh with Judge Brenda Trammell just before he is sworn in. CONTRIBUTED/Alyssa Martinez

Elected officials take their oaths

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, January 2, 2025
They’re all legal now.Putnam County’s 12 recently elected officials took their oaths for their respective offices Monday, Dec. 23, in the main courtroom at Putnam County Courthouse. The oaths were administered by Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Brenda H.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

More arrests, charges in Waffle House shooting

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, December 26, 2024
The investigation of the shooting at the Waffle House in Eatonton is now in its eighth week. Recently, another arrest was made, and more charges were added to previous arrests this week, bringing the total arrests to four.
Alejandro and Deyanira Mendez won first place in the residential contest. CONTRIBUTED

Alejandro and Deyanira Mendez won first place in the residential contest. CONTRIBUTED

City congratulates Christmas decorating contest winners

News Staff
Thursday, December 26, 2024
During last Monday's city council meeting, the City of Eatonton and the Eatonton GICH (Georgia Initiative for Community Housing) team announced the 2024 Community Christmas Decorating Contest winners. In the resident’s contest, Alejandro and Deyanira Mendez (101 Tecumseh Ave.
Hank Bauer received his award for approaching his job with humor and grace under pressure. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Hank Bauer received his award for approaching his job with humor and grace under pressure. IAN TOCHER/Staff

MAC awards recognize ‘spirit of service’

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Eatonton’s Mothers Against Crime (MAC) service organization held its annual awards dinner Saturday night at St. John AME Church. A traditional Southern meal was served, and several certificates of appreciation were presented to local public service workers.
Taylor Borders and her daughter, Autumn (far left), were the first in line on the sidewalk at Whataburger for the ribboncutting ceremony, which earned Borders free weekly Whataburger meals for a year. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Taylor Borders and her daughter, Autumn (far left), were the first in line on the sidewalk at Whataburger for the ribboncutting ceremony, which earned Borders free weekly Whataburger meals for a year. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Whataburger opens in Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 26, 2024
Just five months after breaking ground in Eatonton, Whataburger opened on a cool, foggy morning last Wednesday. Located near Walmart and Waffle House alongside Hwy. 441 on the west side of town, Eatonton’s newest fast-food outlet immediately started doing brisk business.
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