News

This county-owned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

This county-owned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Traffic study underway due to safety concerns

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A traffic study is underway on Pea Ridge and Old Phoenix roads. Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said he is conducting the study because of what he considers high traffic volumes and vehicle crashes on those two roads, and is considering reducing the speed limits.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Fulton prosecutor to testify about Trump case

Ty Tagami
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The Georgia Supreme Court heard oral argument Tuesday in a dispute over the extent of the Georgia General Assembly’s authority to compel testimony, but the case may become irrelevant next week now that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has agreed to testify.
Putnam County Primary School sing at their annual Christmas show. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County Primary School sing at their annual Christmas show. IAN TOCHER/Staff

PCCSS celebrates teamwork, leadership

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 11, 2025
The Putnam County Charter School System (PCCSS) recognized exceptional service, teamwork, and leadership during its recent board meeting, held at Putnam County Primary School (PCPS) on the same night students and teachers presented their annual Christmas show.
Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (left) and former Alabama head coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban speak on College Game Day ahead of the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart (left) and former Alabama head coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban speak on College Game Day ahead of the championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morris: A Bulldog dream come true

Skyla Morris
Thursday, December 11, 2025
It’s no secret that being a fan of the Georgia Bulldogs is nothing short of a whirlwind experience, and these past few years have included some heartbreaking losses.If you know me, you probably know that I am a die-hard Dawgs fan and have been for my entire life.
Jeffery C. Smith

Jeffery C. Smith

Deputies surround suspect in camper

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A South Carolina man was arrested Dec. 2 on multiple charges after an armed confrontation with Greene County deputies near the Durhamtown Off Road Resort.Jeffery Chester Smith, 65, of Conway, S.C.
Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey remains skeptical of “payments in lieu of taxes” for proposed developments. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County District 3 Commissioner Steve Hersey remains skeptical of “payments in lieu of taxes” for proposed developments. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Commissioners debate PDA tax exemption resolution

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A lengthy, occasionally contentious discussion over the Putnam Development Authority (PDA) concluded the Putnam County Board of Commissioners meeting on Friday.
HSMC employees take a photo alongside Garrett, Gabrielle, and Griffin Smith as part of the $100,000 check presentation. CONTRIBUTED

HSMC employees take a photo alongside Garrett, Gabrielle, and Griffin Smith as part of the $100,000 check presentation. CONTRIBUTED

HSMC awarded $100,000 check from local nonprofit

Skyla Morris
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Humane Society of Morgan County (HSMC) is celebrating a recent $100,000 donation gifted by the Five Bucks Foundation of Lake Oconee.
District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney introduced the “Gary McElhenney Resolution,” named after his father who passed away in May 2024 while holding the same commission seat, which would allow the board to appoint a replacement in a similar situation. IAN TOCHER/Staff

District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney introduced the “Gary McElhenney Resolution,” named after his father who passed away in May 2024 while holding the same commission seat, which would allow the board to appoint a replacement in a similar situation. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Commissioners approve New Phoenix gas station

Ian Tocher
Thursday, December 4, 2025
The Putnam County Commission met Nov. 18 to address a wide-ranging agenda, beginning with a rezoning request from Imperial Park Holdings LLC to convert three acres at 301 New Phoenix Road from agricultural (AG) to commercial (C-1).
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