News

Christie Lorraine Echols

Christie Lorraine Echols

Putnam County Jail Report

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
TUESDAY, MAY 26Christie Lorraine Echols, 52, of Eatonton – aggravated assault (family violence, felony); battery (family violence, misdemeanor); cruelty to children (third degree) Josue Camacho Alday, 37, of Eatonton – false statements and writing (Jasper County warrant)WEDNESDAY, MAY 27Kemmy...

Georgia Power secures new lowered rate agreement

Ty Tagami
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Georgia Power customers will see a slight reduction in power bills after the state agency that regulates the monopoly utility approved rate changes late last month.The Public Service Commission, an elected body with five members, had previously frozen the company’s electricity rates for three years.
Ernie Brown Jr., was a USAF F4 fighter pilot in Vietnam who later in life lived in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Ernie Brown Jr., was a USAF F4 fighter pilot in Vietnam who later in life lived in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Eatonton vet inducted into ‘In Memory’ program

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
More than 760 Vietnam veterans, including Maj. Ernest Heywood “Ernie” Brown, Jr., of Eatonton, will be inducted June 20, into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s (VVMF) 2026 In Memory Program. Brown, 85, passed away peacefully Sept. 23 last year.

Putnam Past

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
LAST YEAR, JUNE 5, 2025The Gatewood baseball team has done it again. The Gators secured their third consecutive GIAA Class AA state championship last week, defeating the Southwest Georgia Academy Warriors at Synovus Park in Columbus.
2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

2026 DAIRY FESTIVAL

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
SATURDAY • JUNE 6 • 2026The Dairy Festival returns to Eatonton June 6, with its first official event beginning at 7:30 a.m. with a 5K Race and Fun Run sponsored by the Eatonton Service League.By 9 a.m.
Ninth-twelfth Grade Dairy Festival Queen Court (L-R); Miss Congeniality Lily Armistead; 2026 Dairy Festival Queen Bentleigh Crumpton; First Runner-up Jordan Bird; Second Runner-up Brenlee Brown. MARK TURNER/Turner Photo Design

Ninth-twelfth Grade Dairy Festival Queen Court (L-R); Miss Congeniality Lily Armistead; 2026 Dairy Festival Queen Bentleigh Crumpton; First Runner-up Jordan Bird; Second Runner-up Brenlee Brown. MARK TURNER/Turner Photo Design

2026 Dairy Festival queen and court crowned

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
With more than 100 girls participating, the Eatonton Service League (ESL) held its 65th annual pageant May 9 at The Plaza Arts Center.ESL is a non-profit organization serving Eatonton-Putnam County, living its motto: We Give Where We Live. All money raised by ESL goes back into the local community.
KEITH FIELDER

KEITH FIELDER

KEITH FIELDER

News Staff
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Keith Fielder is a graduate of the University of Georgia, holding degrees in Biology and Animal Science. He serves as a County Extension Coordinator and Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, providing leadership and educational programming in Putnam and Hancock counties.
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