Howard Sills

Helen Nelson and Lt. Tracey Pitoccheli reminisce how they became friends many years before Pitoccheli became a deputy and worked for PCSO. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Helen Nelson and Lt. Tracey Pitoccheli reminisce how they became friends many years before Pitoccheli became a deputy and worked for PCSO. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Nelson honored for many years of service at sheriff’s office

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, May 7, 2026
Lots of laughter, stories, hugs, fond memories, and the aroma of barbecue filled the conference/courtroom of the Putnam County Sheriff's Office last week in celebration of Helen Nelson’s many years of service and retirement.
Carlton Wright

Carlton Wright

Credit card fraud grounds Wright brothers

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Two brothers were arrested for using their employer’s credit cards to buy gasoline totaling $7,750 for themselves and their family and friends, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Bradley K. Rutledge II

Bradley K. Rutledge II

Another nude man arrested in Putnam County

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
It’s been 52 years since the widespread cultural streaking fad of 1974, and almost two weeks since a nude man was arrested in Putnam County. Friday, it happened again.“There’s a naked outbreak,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills quipped Friday.
Jerome L. Johnson

Jerome L. Johnson

Man hit with brick in bar brawl

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
An Eatonton man is behind bars facing charges related to hitting another man in the head with a brick during a bar brawl, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.Jerome Lorenzo Johnson, 43, of Custer Avenue, Eatonton, is facing charges that include aggravated assault and aggravated stalking.
Kenneth D. Brown

Kenneth D. Brown

Shooting incident turns out to be false; caller jailed

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
A flurry of law enforcement activity filled Lakeview Estates Drive and Lane last week in response to a 911 call from a man who said his mother had just been shot in the yard of their house.“Obviously, we responded in a manner one would for such a report,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Reyna Lopez

Reyna Lopez

Babysitter pleads guilty to baby’s murder

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
A babysitter who killed a 5-month-old boy in her custody will be spending the next 20 years of her life in prison.Reyna Lopez, 43, of East Marion Street, Eatonton, pled guilty to murder in the second degree Monday in Greene County Superior Court.
Paesha Brown

Paesha Brown

Driver points gun at a passenger

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A Milledgeville woman was arrested for pointing a gun at the passenger of another vehicle while she was driving on U.S. Hwy. 441 last week.The passenger called 911 around 1:45 p.m. Dec. 1 and reported that a brown BMW was speeding and swerving in and out of traffic.
This countyowned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

This countyowned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/ Staff

Traffic study underway due to safety concerns

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
A traffic study is underway on Pea Ridge and Old Phoenix roads. Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said he is conducting the study because of what he considers high traffic volumes and vehicle crashes on those two roads, and is considering reducing the speed limits.
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