James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Happy 100th!

Lynn Hobbs
If every day spent on this earth creates memories, then James Dooley has about 36,500 days’ worth of them to share. Dooley celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, May 22.Dooley recently shared many of his memories with The Eatonton Messenger.Seated comfortably in his easy chair, nestled under a…
Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton city council hears quarry concerns

Ian Tocher
The Eatonton City Council moved quickly through a varied agenda Monday evening that included public concerns over a proposed rock quarry, approval of city business tied to the Georgia Municipal Association, and updates on paving, utilities, and community events.During public comments, local…
A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Stolen car crashes while fleeing police

Lynn Hobbs
A man accused of fleeing authorities after allegedly committing a crime in Washington County hit a dead end in Eatonton on Monday.Trabian Pass, 35, of Lawrenceville, is being held in the Putnam County Jail on charges of felony theft by receiving stolen property, two counts of fleeing or attempting…
The Jazz Legacy Project opens with “Bourbon Street Parade.” LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

The Jazz Legacy Project opens with “Bourbon Street Parade.” LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Jazz Legacy Project presents music of Louis Armstrong

Leigh Lofgren
The Jazz Legacy Project (JLP) returned to Greensboro’s historic Festival Hall on May 14, with a tribute concert celebrating the music and life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong.Opening with “Bourbon Street Parade,” JLP featured guest vocalist, trumpeter, and composer Michael Cruse performing alongside…
Bagpipers and drummers play outside as attendees arrive to First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro for Scottish Heritage Day. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Bagpipers and drummers play outside as attendees arrive to First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro for Scottish Heritage Day. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

Greensboro’s First Presbyterian hosts Scottish Heritage Day

Leigh Lofgren
Scottish Heritage Day at Greensboro’s First Presbyterian Church (GFPC) was well attended on Sunday by parishioners and special guests, including Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison.Following the ringing of the bell, Scottish Heritage Committee Chair Spencer Hinds walked up the aisle carrying the…
Lynne Cullen

Lynne Cullen

GWM to welcome back bestselling author Cullen

News Staff
Lynne Cullen’s When We Were Brilliant masterfully captures the profound friendship between film superstar Marilyn Monroe and documentary photographer Eve Arnold.This biographical novel offers a stunning tribute to female ambition, raw authenticity, and the shared pursuit of a lasting historical…
Summer camp fun for young artists at The Plaza

Summer camp fun for young artists at The Plaza

Summer camp fun for young artists at The Plaza

News Staff
Families looking for enriching summer activities for children and teens will find a wide range of creative opportunities this summer at The Plaza Arts Center in downtown Eatonton.First up is Camp Broadway, held June 1-5 in partnership with The Arts Barn. Designed for rising 3rd through 8th graders…
Rendering by May Architects shows the Good Samaritan Pavilion in light grey, with the existing St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in full color behind it. CONTRIBUTED

Rendering by May Architects shows the Good Samaritan Pavilion in light grey, with the existing St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in full color behind it. CONTRIBUTED

Good Samaritan Hospital announces $45.6M expansion

News Staff
St. Mary’s Health Care System today announced it will build a 42,000-square-foot pavilion adjacent to St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital to transform access to vital health services across the greater Lake Country region.“St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Pavilion will improve access to care and reduce the…
File Photo

File Photo

The Dairy Festival returns next month

News Staff
The Dairy Festival returns to Eatonton on 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., dozens of arts, crafts, and food vendors, plus children’s activities, will be open around the Courthouse square.The…
Natalie Sills (18) was among seven seniors the Gatewood girls soccer team lost to graduation at the end of this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Natalie Sills (18) was among seven seniors the Gatewood girls soccer team lost to graduation at the end of this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lady Gators’ soccer season ends in Elite Eight

Lance McCurley
The 2026 season ended for the Gatewood girls soccer team May 13 with a 2-0 loss to Central Fellowship Christian Academy in the GIAA Class 2A Elite Eight in Macon.Gatewood closed the year with a 7-9 overall record and finished 4-2 in region play, capping what head coach Tracy Harper described as a…
Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles wrap up spring practice

Lance McCurley
After losing a strong senior group and several key linemen, Putnam County entered the spring with plenty of questions to answer.By the end of spring practice, head coach Joel Harvin said he felt like the War Eagles had started finding some of those answers.With a younger roster heading into the…
The Eatonton Messenger e-Edition
Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Miriam Hatcher expresses concern about a proposed rock quarry coming to Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton city council hears quarry concerns

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
The Eatonton City Council moved quickly through a varied agenda Monday evening that included public...
A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

A chain hangs from the overturned Nissan as Hurt’s Towing prepares to remove it from the woods at the end of East Sumter Street Monday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Stolen car crashes while fleeing police

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
A man accused of fleeing authorities after allegedly committing a crime in Washington County hit a...
Putnam County senior Bill Waters won the high jump at the GHSA Class A Division I state track meet May 12 at UGA’s Spec Towns Track. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County senior Bill Waters won the high jump at the GHSA Class A Division I state track meet May 12 at UGA’s Spec Towns Track. CONTRIBUTED

STATE CHAMPION

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ATHENS — Bill Waters Jr. saved his best for last.
James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

James Dooley is all smiles for his 100th birthday Friday. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Happy 100th!

Wednesday, May 20, 2026

If every day spent on this earth creates memories, then James Dooley has about 36,500 days’ worth of them to share. Dooley celebrates his 100th birthday on Friday, May 22.Dooley recently shared many of his memories with The Eatonton Messenger.

News 

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Sports 

Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County High School head football coach Joel Harvin (center) addressed his team following the annual Spring Game to help assess talent and determine positions before the next season begins. IAN TOCHER/Staff

War Eagles wrap up spring practice

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
After losing a strong senior group and several key linemen, Putnam County entered the spring with...
Faith Watkins (left) and Aubree Butts (right) were the only Putnam County girls track and field athletes to qualify for the GHSA Class A Division I state meet. CONTRIBUTED

Faith Watkins (left) and Aubree Butts (right) were the only Putnam County girls track and field athletes to qualify for the GHSA Class A Division I state meet. CONTRIBUTED

Watkins, Butts show promise for Putnam at state meet

Lance McCurley
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
ATHENS — Putnam County track and field girls athletes Faith Watkins and Aubree Butts capped their...
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Community 

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Obituaries 

Tim Robert Swymer

Tim Robert Swymer

Tim Robert Swymer

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and...
Gaye King Lankford

Gaye King Lankford

Gaye King Lankford

News Staff
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Mrs. Gaye King Lankford, age 90, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, in South Carolina.
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