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“Greensboro has suffered a downturn in the economy,” Terry Lawler said. “Businesses need steady foot traffic and marketing incentives to drive their businesses. The city is not unique to this turndown.” CONTRIBUTED

“Greensboro has suffered a downturn in the economy,” Terry Lawler said. “Businesses need steady foot traffic and marketing incentives to drive their businesses. The city is not unique to this turndown.” CONTRIBUTED

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Why are businesses downtown closing?

Maureen Stratton
Thursday, April 2, 2026
Greensboro, with its quaint historic downtown, has seen six businesses close in the last six months. It signals a problem most small downtowns in the United States face in attracting — or, more importantly, maintaining — occupancy in areas experiencing a decline in visitor traffic and sales.
A birds-eye view of Snyder’s third proposal for the scrapped mixed-use development on Hancock Street. CONTRIBUTED

A birds-eye view of Snyder’s third proposal for the scrapped mixed-use development on Hancock Street. CONTRIBUTED

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Mixed-use development nixed despite HPC support

Skyla Morris
Thursday, April 2, 2026
For several months, MAD Hospitality owner Preston Snyder has intended to demolish the building that houses The Sinclair, Community Roots Market, and formerly, Betty Gene’s.
Within Putnam County, the Georgia Transmission project will include a series of large, lattice-style, steel structures, each standing between 100 and 150 feet tall and spaced about 1,200 feet apart. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Within Putnam County, the Georgia Transmission project will include a series of large, lattice-style, steel structures, each standing between 100 and 150 feet tall and spaced about 1,200 feet apart. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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High-voltage lines being built through Putnam County

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 2, 2026
A major high-voltage transmission project currently under construction by Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) across central Georgia will bring new infrastructure through Putnam County as part of a broader regional power upgrade.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Commissioners hear concerns, proposals

Ian Tocher
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Public access, civic celebration, and youth development took center stage on March 17, as residents addressed the Putnam County Board of Commissioners.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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High school cell phone ban heads to governor’s desk

Ty Tagami
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Cellphones will be banned in Georgia public high schools starting in the 2027-28 school year, if Gov. Brian Kemp signs House Bill 1009 into law.The state Senate passed the measure unanimously on Monday.“This is a great, great win for our students and our classrooms,” said Rep.
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CONTRIBUTED

Madison’s Callahan among NAPA honorees

News Staff
Thursday, March 26, 2026
The National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) recently announced that Madison’s Senior Planner, Monica Callahan, is among those chosen for the 250 Champions Initiative.
Putnam County Fire Department firefighters extinguish what was left of a fire that burned this detached garage to the ground last week. CONTRIBUTED

Putnam County Fire Department firefighters extinguish what was left of a fire that burned this detached garage to the ground last week. CONTRIBUTED

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Fire takes boat, Harley, and hay

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, March 26, 2026
A Putnam County resident lost his boat and motorcycle in a fire last week, while a farmer in a separate incident lost several bales of hay, according to Putnam County Fire Chief Thomas McClain.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Volunteers come forward for city

News Staff
Thursday, March 26, 2026
The City of Madison has announced the formation of a citizen finance committee and will join thousands of communities nationwide that already feature similar groups.
Carlton Wright

Carlton Wright

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Credit card fraud grounds Wright brothers

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Two brothers were arrested for using their employer’s credit cards to buy gasoline totaling $7,750 for themselves and their family and friends, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
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