Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

News Staff
Memorial Day turned tragic for a local family when a local man lost his life in a vehicle crash.Johnie Prothro, 85, of Eatonton, was killed around 2 p.m. in the wreck on State Route 16/Sparta Highway.Prothro, who was driving his Kia Soul eastbound, was making a left turn onto Long Shoals Road,…
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 tribute to female ambition, raw authenticity and the shared pursuit of lasting historical impact. Cullen…
CONTRIBUTED

CONTRIBUTED

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…
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 on 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…
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…
Ronda Rich/Columnist

Ronda Rich/Columnist

Rich: The thief

Ronda Rich
The email from my literary agent popped up. He is the wonderful man who first believed in me without having read a single line I had written.He is one of the most respected agents in New York City, and it is that uncanny instinct—part gut, part marketing intuition—that has made him so well regarded…
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...
Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Wreck kills elderly man on Sparta Highway

Monday, May 25, 2026

Memorial Day turned tragic for a local family when a local man lost his life in a vehicle crash.Johnie Prothro, 85, of Eatonton, was killed around 2 p.m. in the wreck on State Route 16/Sparta Highway.

News 

L-R: Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s Katherine Mahlberg with new homeowners Jaevien, Khaleb, Amyah, and Candice Ellison cutting the ribbon May 12, as GCSU student and HFHP volunteer Zach Zachry keeps it tight. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s Katherine Mahlberg with new homeowners Jaevien, Khaleb, Amyah, and Candice Ellison cutting the ribbon May 12, as GCSU student and HFHP volunteer Zach Zachry keeps it tight. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Habitat for Humanity Putnam delivers House No. 29

News Staff
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) celebrated the dedication of Habitat House No.
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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...
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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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