Putnam County

With tiny Journiee Burnney peering out from the center, her mother Ikeirra beside her was joined by (l-r) Habitat board member Linda Moore, builder Clark Harper, Eatonton Mayor John Reid and other family members as they each tossed a ceremonial shovelful of dirt for the World Habitat Day groundbreaking.

With tiny Journiee Burnney peering out from the center, her mother Ikeirra beside her was joined by (l-r) Habitat board member Linda Moore, builder Clark Harper, Eatonton Mayor John Reid and other family members as they each tossed a ceremonial shovelful of dirt for the World Habitat Day groundbreaking.

Putnam Habitat creating ‘opportunity’ with home builds

Story And Photos By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, October 4, 2023
In 1985, the United Nations declared the first Monday of October as World Habitat Day, intended for worldwide reflection on the basic right of everyone to adequate shelter.
Since opening in 2008, The Plaza’s stage has hosted the likes of Lee Greenwood, John Berry, and The Gatlin Brothers, as well as tribute acts to classic artists like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Elton John. It also has provided an important platform for emerging stars like Eatonton’s own Matt Rogers, pianist Barron Ryan, and the classically trained musicians of the Take3 Trio.

Since opening in 2008, The Plaza’s stage has hosted the likes of Lee Greenwood, John Berry, and The Gatlin Brothers, as well as tribute acts to classic artists like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Buffett, and Elton John. It also has provided an important platform for emerging stars like Eatonton’s own Matt Rogers, pianist Barron Ryan, and the classically trained musicians of the Take3 Trio.

The Plaza continues 15th-anniversary celebration

News Staff
Thursday, September 28, 2023
The first half of The Plaza Arts Center’s 15th year was a big hit, and part two continues the celebration.
Drew Company COO and General Counsel Theonie Alicandro described her company's plans for the Old Hotel Eatonton site Sept. 14 to several local officials and interested residents.

Drew Company COO and General Counsel Theonie Alicandro described her company's plans for the Old Hotel Eatonton site Sept. 14 to several local officials and interested residents.

Major remodel planned for Hotel Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 21, 2023
If all goes according to plan, within the next 18-24 months, visitors to Eatonton and Putnam County will have a new boutique hotel as their temporary address in town.
Demarkeo McClelland/The Georgia Gazette

Demarkeo McClelland/The Georgia Gazette

Officer’s knowledge of vehicle driver leads to two arrests

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Thanks to living in a small town, two Eatonton men – one who, according to court records, was supposed to be in jail until 2029, and the other on probation until 2030 – are back in jail again. According to Eatonton Police Department reports: While responding to an unrelated call on Aug.
IAN TOCHER/Staff

IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam to A to Z: O is for Old School History Museum

Ian Tocher
Thursday, August 31, 2023
Editor’s note: The symmetry of 52 weeks in a year and 26 letters in our alphabet inspired us here at The Eatonton Messenger to embark on an alphabetical journey every other week in 2023, looking at something – or someone – unique, significant, unusual, or just plain interesting in Putnam County,...
Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute speaking during a Veteran’s Day event last November at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute speaking during a Veteran’s Day event last November at Gatewood Schools in Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

County manager named vice chair of national committee

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Beyond the safety of his own family, there’s probably nothing more important to Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute than helping U.S. military veterans survive and thrive upon returning home.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Examining the upcoming Eatonton city budget

Rufus Adair
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
An overall spending of $10.2 million for the coming fiscal year – and a slightly lower millage rate for property taxes – are expected to be approved by the Eatonton mayor and council at its mid-month meeting this coming Monday evening.
The pyramids and other Egyptian-themed accouterments of Dwight York’s Tama-Re complex are long gone, leaving just a bucolic countryside scene alongside Shady Dale Road in the northwest portion of Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The pyramids and other Egyptian-themed accouterments of Dwight York’s Tama-Re complex are long gone, leaving just a bucolic countryside scene alongside Shady Dale Road in the northwest portion of Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PUTNAM A to Z: N is for Nuwaubian (Part III)

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
Editor’s note: The symmetry of 52 weeks in a year and 26 letters in our alphabet inspired us here at The Eatonton Messenger to embark on an alphabetical journey of Putnam County every other week this year, looking at something – or someone – unique, significant, unusual, or just plain interesting.
Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Distirct Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III is rewarded for outstanding advocacy in capitol and complex homicide cases. CONTRIBUTED

Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit Distirct Attorney T. Wright Barksdale III is rewarded for outstanding advocacy in capitol and complex homicide cases. CONTRIBUTED

Barksdale earns national award

Debbie Lurie-smith
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
T. Wright Barksdale III recently returned from Pasadena, Calif., after receiving a national award for Outstanding Advocacy in Capital and Complex Homicide Cases for 2022-23. The award was presented Aug.
Alice Tallulah-Kate Walker, an Eatonton native, at the Eatonton-Putnam County Library. CONTRIBUTED

Alice Tallulah-Kate Walker, an Eatonton native, at the Eatonton-Putnam County Library. CONTRIBUTED

Eatonton-Putnam County Library features Alice Walker mini museum

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
The Eatonton-Putnam County Library now features a mini-museum honoring Alice Tallulah-Kate Walker, the first Black woman to win a Pulitzer for literature. Alice Walker is famous for her novel, The Color Purple, which was made into a critically acclaimed movie and Broadway musical.
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