Community

Artist Pat Devine Barnes (center) accepted the blue ribbon, signifying her first-place finish in the 10th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show, from show cochairs Michele Hartung (left) and Cathy McIntire. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Artist Pat Devine Barnes (center) accepted the blue ribbon, signifying her first-place finish in the 10th annual Lake Country Juried Art Show, from show cochairs Michele Hartung (left) and Cathy McIntire. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Major milestone for juried art show

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
The Lake Country Juried Art Show celebrated a decade of showcasing regional artistic talent June 25 as artists, patrons and supporters gathered at Barrel 118 in Eatonton for a reception and awards presentation hosted by The Artisans Village.
Ian Tocher/Staff

Ian Tocher/Staff

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Eatonton celebrates Juneteenth

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Big smiles and good times were the order of the day Saturday as Eatonton celebrated Juneteenth in style with a morning parade through downtown, followed by a community festival featuring music, vendors, and delicious food on the Butler-Baker School grounds along Alice Walker Boulevard.
Putnam County Board of Education Superintendent Derick Austin recognized the Superintendent’s Students of the Month for May, including (l-r) Gerard Garcia Ortiz, Kenzie Nelson, Lila Langford, and Trinity Martin. ALIVIA BLANTON /Staff

Putnam County Board of Education Superintendent Derick Austin recognized the Superintendent’s Students of the Month for May, including (l-r) Gerard Garcia Ortiz, Kenzie Nelson, Lila Langford, and Trinity Martin. ALIVIA BLANTON /Staff

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Board of Education reviews FY27 budget

Alivia Blanton
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
The Putnam County Board of Education reviewed its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget during a combined work session and regular meeting on June 15.The board also approved construction-related projects, software purchases and personnel recommendations, while discussing future facilities plans.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Allyn Rippin (center) accepts a donation from Surcheros owner Kyle Cullars, with several Surcheros employees standing by in support. CONTRIBUTED

Neighbors Helping Neighbors Executive Director Allyn Rippin (center) accepts a donation from Surcheros owner Kyle Cullars, with several Surcheros employees standing by in support. CONTRIBUTED

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Surcheros supports Neighbors Helping Neighbors

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Just weeks after opening its doors, Surcheros Fresh Mex at Lake Oconee is already making an impact beyond the dining table.As part of its grand opening celebration, Surcheros donated $1,100 from its Community Day and opening week sales to Neighbors Helping Neighbors (NHN, nhnga.
Brer Rabbit, Joel Chandler Harris’ most famous character, stands watch over the unique Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

Brer Rabbit, Joel Chandler Harris’ most famous character, stands watch over the unique Uncle Remus Museum in Eatonton. CONTRIBUTED

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Uncle Remus Museum to offer free admission

News Staff
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Eatonton’s world-famous Uncle Remus Museum will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Declaration of Independence by offering free admission and storytelling on July 3.
Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

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Crooked D Creamery scoops up success in Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but co-owner David Hodge said the journey to opening the handcrafted ice cream shop began years before the first scoop was served.
Dr. Willie Oliver (center) presented $1,500 scholarship checks to PCHS graduates (l-r) Kasey Davis, Leanna Giddens, A’Ziyah Williams, and Natalie Puente, May 29 in front of Most Valuable Smiles in Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

Dr. Willie Oliver (center) presented $1,500 scholarship checks to PCHS graduates (l-r) Kasey Davis, Leanna Giddens, A’Ziyah Williams, and Natalie Puente, May 29 in front of Most Valuable Smiles in Eatonton. (IAN TOCHER/Staff)

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Eatonton dentist expands healthcare scholarship program

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
For the fourth consecutive year, Dr. Willie Oliver is putting his money where his heart is by investing directly in the future of local healthcare.In 2026, Oliver expanded both the number and value of scholarships awarded through his Eatonton Healthcare Future (EHF) scholarship program.
The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Holcombe Harley entry finished runner-up in fan voting for Best Pirate Ship on Saturday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Pirates, Prizes, and ‘Pour Decisions’ for Lake Sinclair tradition

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
The forecast called for rain, but Saturday afternoon delivered sunshine and smooth sailing for the annual Lake Sinclair Pirate Parade.Nearly 20 decorated boats cruised the lake from The Front Porch restaurant alongside Hwy.
Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Store owner Neil Patel (third from left) was joined by Eatonton Mayor John Reid (blue shirt), two “saints” from BAPS Mandir, and Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce CEO Robbie King (red shirt), among others, for a Memorial Day ribbon cutting at Stop N Go, on Eatonton’s Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Blessings, business, and new beginning at Stop N Go

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
A new convenience store opened its doors in Eatonton on Memorial Day, but for owner Nilesh “Neil” Patel, the launch of Stop N Go is about more than business. It represents blessings, tradition, and building something lasting in a community he now calls “home.
Georgia Benjamin-Smith called recent Putnam High grad Amario up from the audience to share a little of his story as he prepares for college life. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Georgia Benjamin-Smith called recent Putnam High grad Amario up from the audience to share a little of his story as he prepares for college life. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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MAC banquet celebrates community service

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Approximately 100 community members gathered Saturday evening in the banquet hall of Eatonton First Methodist Church for the 34th annual Mothers Against Crime banquet. The event featured reflections on community progress, youth achievement, and the importance of preserving local history.
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