Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page

Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry alongside Dennis Station Road. The move could halt what was expected to be one of the county’s most closely watched public hearings in years, though questions…
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

The Putnam County Commission met on June 5, with commissioners tackling alcohol licensing enforcement, commercial growth, and how the county might prepare for emerging technologies like data centers.Commissioners unanimously voted to table an alcohol license application submitted by Welcome to the…
With the field of dozens of candidates for state office narrowed down, final choices for party nominee will be chosen June 16 with early voting wrapping up Friday.Voters who chose a party in the May 13 primary will only be able to vote for the same party in Tuesday’s runoff unless a non-partisan…
Members of the Eatonton Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jamey Williamson driving the department’s vintage fire truck were near the head of the parade through downtown streets.

Members of the Eatonton Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jamey Williamson driving the department’s vintage fire truck were near the head of the parade through downtown streets.

Members of the Eatonton Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jamey Williamson driving the department’s vintage  re truck were near the head of the parade through downtown streets. 
The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but for Georgia Writers Museum, appearances matter.Located at a highly visible entrance to Eatonton’s historic downtown at Highway 44 and South Jefferson Avenue, the museum is one of the first landmarks visitors encounter. While the front of the…
Charles Seabrook

Charles Seabrook

“Bucket List” is a phrase made famous by the hit movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. What would be the sights in Georgia that would make your “must-see” bucket list?Georgia Writers Museum is excited to bring 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die as its July Meet the…
Putnam County High School juniors enjoyed both urban and rural sights and experiences on their recent visit to several historic sites in Italy. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County High School juniors enjoyed both urban and rural sights and experiences on their recent visit to several historic sites in Italy. CONTRIBUTED

Nearly 40 members of Putnam County High School’s Class of 2027 recently returned from an unforgettable educational trip to Italy, where students experienced history, culture, and learning firsthand.During their travels, PCHS students explored some of Italy’s most iconic landmarks in Rome, including…
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.

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.

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.For 2026, Oliver expanded both the number and value of scholarships awarded through his Eatonton Healthcare Future (EHF) scholarship program. Last month…
Georgia College & State University (GCSU) in Milledgeville recently recognized several students from Eatonton who made the Dean’s List for its Spring 2026 term, including from the College of Arts & Sciences: Stephanie Cash, Kevin Felmley, Cassidy Harley, Vianney Martinez, Juli Minchey, and…
Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

After reaching the GIAA Final Four last season, the Gatewood Lady Gators have quickly shifted their focus toward the future.Under head coach Ferdinand Farley, the program is using the summer months to lay the groundwork for another successful season, emphasizing strength training, skill development…
Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley (left) with a Shorter University coach last month. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley (left) with a Shorter University coach last month. CONTRIBUTED

As he prepares for his senior season, Putnam County offensive lineman Jabius Farley is taking advantage of every opportunity to improve his game and pursue his goal of playing football at the next level.Farley recently attended recruiting camps at Kennesaw State University and Shorter University,…
The Eatonton Messenger e-Edition
Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Post 6686 Commander Brian Alliston is bringing new ideas and plans to the Eatonton veterans’ institution, including a planned move from its current location, potentially to southern Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Eatonton VFW offers ambitious vision for future

The local Veterans of Foreign Wars post is looking toward a future that leaders say will look very...
Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival. Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page

Putnam County Stone requests quarry application withdrawal

Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its controversial rezoning application to establish a rock quarry alongside Dennis Station Road.
Members of the Eatonton Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jamey Williamson driving the department’s vintage fire truck were near the head of the parade through downtown streets.

Members of the Eatonton Fire Department, including Fire Chief Jamey Williamson driving the department’s vintage fire truck were near the head of the parade through downtown streets.

Dairy Festival 2026

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Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Jeremy Banks, the younger brother of Putnam County boys’ all-time leading scorer Eren Banks, averaged 10.5 points and 3.7 rebounds last season. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

War Eagles begin summer workouts, prep for 2026-27

After reaching the Elite Eight last season, the Putnam County boys basketball team enters the...
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.

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.

Crooked D Creamery scoops up success in Eatonton

Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but co-owner David Hodge said...
Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe

Carey Wendel Shupe, 88, of Eatonton, Georgia, died May 22, 2026, in Eatonton, GA.
Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee

Olene Farley Lee was a woman whose life was defined by strength, perseverance, and an unwavering...