Lake Oconee News e-Edition
A close-up of Morgan County's state championship ring. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

A close-up of Morgan County's state championship ring. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Diamond Dogs officially receive championship rings

Skyla Morris
Nearly four months have passed since the Morgan County baseball team ended its 2026 season on the mountaintop, claiming the GHSA Class 2A baseball championship after sweeping Pierce County at Georgia Southern University on May 25.The Bulldogs' victorious weekend in Statesboro unfolded dramatically,…
LOA junior quarterback Jake McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

LOA junior quarterback Jake McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Titans overcome unknowns to roll past Greenville

Skyla Morris
Lake Oconee Academy’s football team didn’t know exactly what to expect heading into Week 2 of the 2026 season.The Titans hit the road Aug. 28 for a cross-state matchup with Greenville, marking the first meeting between the two programs. With limited film available on the Patriots, Lake Oconee…
Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

Smith: Remembering '59

Loran Smith
It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to open the season against a team perceived to have little or no chance of winning — the so-called “cupcake” games.However, you may recall that on Sept. 1, 2007, Appalachian State upset Michigan at Ann Arbor, 34-32. Not only…
Morgan County senior offensive lineman Drew Breda (52) lifts up senior receiver Cole Wesley (2) after he scored a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Eastside. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morgan County senior offensive lineman Drew Breda (52) lifts up senior receiver Cole Wesley (2) after he scored a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Eastside. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Bulldogs get statement win over Class 5A Eastside

Skyla Morris
Morgan County made a statement on the road Friday night, using a physical rushing attack and a strong all-around performance to knock off Class 5A Eastside, 24-10.The Class 3A Bulldogs entered the game knowing the matchup would be a challenge, but they stayed with their game plan and controlled…
Brince and Emily Benford, owners of Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s, pose inside their restaurant in downtown Madison. The husband-and-wife team opened the business seven years ago and will celebrate five years at their current location in 2027. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Brince and Emily Benford, owners of Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s, pose inside their restaurant in downtown Madison. The husband-and-wife team opened the business seven years ago and will celebrate five years at their current location in 2027. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s finds success in downtown Madison

Skyla Morris
Downtown Madison is known for its collection of small businesses throughout the square, including clothing stores, hair salons, and a variety of dining options.Over the past several years, Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s has become a familiar name among those dining in downtown Madison, thanks in part…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Letter to the Editor: Put public good ahead of private interests

News Staff
“There is only one legitimate issue of creed in this campaign — and that is our devotion to the public good ahead of private interests.”— Sen. John F. Kennedy, July 10, 1960On Nov. 8, 1960, John F. Kennedy was elected president. More than six decades later, his words remain remarkably relevant.The…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Letter to the Editor: Greene County tax proposals

News Staff
Dear Editor,Let’s dig a little deeper into the Greene County tax proposals that will be appearing on the November ballot. Three one-percent taxes will appear on the ballot. Two will extend the existing Education and Transportation taxes. But one will be a new tax of one percent, which will be used…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Letter to the Editor: Put yourself in their shoes

News Staff
Dear Editor,Before you read this, understand that all of us, for the most part, are born of immigrants who made this country what it is and still do. Many may not be “white-skinned” or have the perfect Anglo-Saxon “look,” but we are still part of that backbone of America.How we have allowed ICE…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Law enforcement responds to mental health crisis

T. Michael Stone
A man experiencing an apparent mental health crisis was taken into custody by Greene County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Greensboro Police Department officers late Sept. 1.According to Greene County Sheriff Donnie Harrison, deputies and officers responded to the Holiday Lodge at 2470 Old Eatonton…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Budget approved; Putnam BOC to seek solid waste bids

Ian Tocher
The Putnam County Board of Commissioners approved its fiscal 2027 budget and authorized rebidding the county’s solid waste contract. At its Aug. 18 meeting, it approved new oversight of SPLOST and T-SPLOST spending during its Aug. 18 meeting.The board also approved a 199-foot Verizon…
Robert “Bobby” Keim

Robert “Bobby” Keim

GDC agent arrested for misuse of Flock

Lynn Hobbs
On Tuesday, Sept. 1, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation arrested Georgia Department of Corrections Special Agent in Charge Robert “Bobby” Keim, 45, of Eatonton, on a charge of misuse of a license plate reader system.The GDC asked the GBI to investigate on Aug. 18, according to a GBI notice. Mary…
Morgan County senior offensive lineman Drew Breda (52) lifts up senior receiver Cole Wesley (2) after he scored a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Eastside. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morgan County senior offensive lineman Drew Breda (52) lifts up senior receiver Cole Wesley (2) after he scored a touchdown in last Friday’s win over Eastside. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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Bulldogs get statement win over Class 5A Eastside

Skyla Morris
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Body Morgan County made a statement on the road Friday night, using a physical...
Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam County pounds Hancock Central, improves to 2-0

Lance McCurley
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Body Putnam County continued its strong start to the 2026 season, rolling through...
A close-up of Morgan County's state championship ring. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

A close-up of Morgan County's state championship ring. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Diamond Dogs officially receive championship rings

Tuesday, September 8, 2026

Nearly four months have passed since the Morgan County baseball team ended its 2026 season on the mountaintop, claiming the GHSA Class 2A baseball championship after sweeping Pierce County at Georgia Southern University on May 25.

News 

Habitat for Humanity of Putnam Executive Director Murali Thiramul said Carter’s hometown connections helped to convince him she’s the right person to get HFHP’s message out about the new Carters Crossing project being built in southwest Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Habitat for Humanity of Putnam Executive Director Murali Thiramul said Carter’s hometown connections helped to convince him she’s the right person to get HFHP’s message out about the new Carters Crossing project being built in southwest Putnam County. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Homegrown talent finds Habitat home

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Body For Putnam County’s Trinity Carter, starting her career didn’t even require...
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Sports 

Loran Smith/File Photo

Loran Smith/File Photo

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Smith: Remembering '59

Loran Smith
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Body It has become customary in recent years for the leading football schools to...
Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators get going but still seek first win

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Body Despite falling 49-27 to Brentwood last Friday night in Sandersville and...
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Community 

Brince and Emily Benford, owners of Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s, pose inside their restaurant in downtown Madison. The husband-and-wife team opened the business seven years ago and will celebrate five years at their current location in 2027. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Brince and Emily Benford, owners of Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s, pose inside their restaurant in downtown Madison. The husband-and-wife team opened the business seven years ago and will celebrate five years at their current location in 2027. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Wing Nights at Benny Paul’s finds success in downtown Madison

Skyla Morris
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Body Downtown Madison is widely known among residents for its collection of small...
David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

OSHM hosts nostalgic ice cream social

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Body Eatonton’s Old School History Museum (OSHM) at The Plaza Arts Center hosted...
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Obituaries 

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Body It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bonnie Sullivan (Hankins) of...
Jeffrey Lemming

Jeffrey Lemming

Jeffrey Lemming

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Body Jeffrey Lynn Lemming, affectionately known as Jeff or "Lemdog," passed away...
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