Putnam County

Putnam County quarterback Branan Griffin (8) gets set to fire a pass as his teammates provide him a clean pocket to throw from. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Putnam County quarterback Branan Griffin (8) gets set to fire a pass as his teammates provide him a clean pocket to throw from. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Hurricanes blow through War Eagles

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Putnam County has struggled to close out games this year and again couldn’t do so last Friday against Jasper County in its regular-season finale. After trailing the Hurricanes 14-7 at the half, the War Eagles were outscored 14-3 in the final two quarters, losing 28-10.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Man falls off lawn mower into lake

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
An investigation is underway to determine how a 70-year-old man died in Lake Sinclair on Saturday, authorities say.The man, Norman Harrell, apparently was mowing grass on Daylight Drive, according to Putnam County Coroner Hollis Harrison.
The all-women “Pour Choices” crew clearly enjoyed their Saturday afternoon on Lake Sinclair, which included two crewmembers taking home prestigious pirate awards.

The all-women “Pour Choices” crew clearly enjoyed their Saturday afternoon on Lake Sinclair, which included two crewmembers taking home prestigious pirate awards.

Lake Sinclair pirates on parade

Ian Tocher
Thursday, May 22, 2025
For the second-straight year, overcast weather did nothing to dampen spirits for the 14th annual Pirate Parade on Lake Sinclair. And similar to last year’s turnout, about 20 pirate-manned boats made the approximate four-mile trek by water from Little River Marina alongside Hwy.
200 block of West River Bend Drive (Contributed by Sheriff Howard Sills)

200 block of West River Bend Drive (Contributed by Sheriff Howard Sills)

Roads washed out in Putnam County

Lynn Hobbs
Monday, April 7, 2025
The deluge of rainfall that hit the state earlier today has washed out several roads in Putnam County, according to authorities. An alternate route has been created for residents of one of those roads, said Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills and Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute.
Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute addresses local politicians on Monday, describing the history and potential of a local SPLOST. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Manager Paul Van Haute addresses local politicians on Monday, describing the history and potential of a local SPLOST. IAN TOCHER/Staff

SPLOST 10 resurrected in meeting of city, county

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Mayor John Reid and Chairman Bill Sharp presided over a relatively rare joint meeting of the City of Eatonton Council and Putnam County Commission at 5 p.m. Monday to discuss reintroducing SPLOST 10 to pay for multiple municipal and countywide projects and expenses.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

City considers fire training, police vehicles, credit cards

Ian Tocher
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Eatonton City Council met twice this month, on Feb. 4 and this past Monday.During the earlier meeting, the council unanimously approved a parade permit for the annual Dairy Festival Parade, presented by the Pilot Club of Eatonton and scheduled for June 7.
L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Chairman breaks tie to confirm HB 581 opt-in

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
It came down to one word. After more than an hour of debate in a meeting last Friday, one word ultimately determined the Putnam County Commission's decision to opt into State House Bill 581 as it stands.
The Return featured (l-r) Richard Stelling as John Lennon, Mike Fulup as George Harrison, Josh Blount as Ringo Starr, and Mike Vargo as Paul McCartney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Return featured (l-r) Richard Stelling as John Lennon, Mike Fulup as George Harrison, Josh Blount as Ringo Starr, and Mike Vargo as Paul McCartney. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The Return brings Beatlemania to The Plaza

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Nearly 61 years ago, on Feb. 9, 1964, Ed Sullivan introduced The Beatles to a huge American audience in their first-ever televised U.S. appearance.
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