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Songwriter Josh Phillips said he truly enjoyed his visit to Lake Country and thanked his “500 or so friends” who attended “Songwriters Night” at Briarpatch Farm. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Songwriter Josh Phillips said he truly enjoyed his visit to Lake Country and thanked his “500 or so friends” who attended “Songwriters Night” at Briarpatch Farm. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Songwriters Night

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Eatonton’s Briarpatch Farm welcomed a large, enthusiastic crowd on Saturday for “Songwriters Night: Love Builds Here,” an evening of live music, community, and generosity in support of Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) and its most ambitious project yet.Set inside the farm’s barnturned-...
Shurita Davis

Shurita Davis

Six arrested for death of Greene County man

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, April 23, 2026
A White Plains man was obliterated in Winder on April 14, according to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office.Forty-year-old Casey Watts of White Plains was found unconscious and not breathing by deputies after a resident reported that Watts pulled up to his home and said he had been beaten and...
Nancy Bell, Chip Bell, and Lyn Romine played major roles in bringing The Smithsonian Institution’s “Voices & Votes: Democracy in America” traveling exhibit to Eatonton. They recently led docent training for the event, too. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Nancy Bell, Chip Bell, and Lyn Romine played major roles in bringing The Smithsonian Institution’s “Voices & Votes: Democracy in America” traveling exhibit to Eatonton. They recently led docent training for the event, too. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Smithsonian exhibit ready in Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 23, 2026
What began as an idea last summer has evolved into a source of hope earlier this year and is now a reality.“It really started in January,” recalled Chip Bell, a Georgia Writers Museum board member and part of the team that helped bring the Smithsonian Institution’s “Voices & Votes: Democracy in...
Charles Becht

Charles Becht

Man arrested after firing in direction of fisherman

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, April 23, 2026
A White Plains man was arrested April 17 after he fired a gun several times in the direction of fishermen jugging for catfish on Lake Oconee.Charles Eugene Becht, 72, of 1151 White Oak Dr., now faces charges on six counts of reckless conduct.According to reports, a deputy was originally dispatched...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Downtown Madison mixed-use development plans rejected again

Skyla Morris
Thursday, April 23, 2026
The Madison City Council met for its monthly regular session on April 13 and further discussed variances regarding MAD Hospitality owner Preston Snyder’s plans to rebuild the portion of his business destroyed in a fire last year.Snyder’s proposal for a mixed-use development on Hancock Street was...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Kemp has a lot of bills on his desk after legislative session ends

Ty Tagami
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Georgia lawmakers went home in a flurry of ripped paper — as is custom at the end of the 40-day legislative session.The shreds floating through the House and Senate chambers included some of the 2,241 bills introduced during the biennial assembly that began last year, along with more than 3,000...
Robert “Buster” Williams addressed Eatonton City Council last Tuesday, making his case to drop added “blight taxes” from his tax bill for a building he owns on East Marion Street where it intersects with North Maple Avenue. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Robert “Buster” Williams addressed Eatonton City Council last Tuesday, making his case to drop added “blight taxes” from his tax bill for a building he owns on East Marion Street where it intersects with North Maple Avenue. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City council hears tax dispute, approves local projects

Ian Tocher
Thursday, April 16, 2026
The Eatonton City Council held a relatively short scheduled meeting on April 7, hearing a citizen’s tax dispute, approving business items, and advancing community events and infrastructure efforts.
This annual celebration invites residents and visitors alike to experience a lively mix of Southern culture, entertainment, and small-town hospitality. CONTRIBUTED

This annual celebration invites residents and visitors alike to experience a lively mix of Southern culture, entertainment, and small-town hospitality. CONTRIBUTED

Southland Jubilee celebrates 26 years of family fun

News Staff
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Downtown Greensboro is gearing up for one of its most beloved traditions as the Southland Jubilee returns this Saturday for its 26th year, bringing a full day of fun, food, and festivities to the heart of the community.This annual celebration invites residents and visitors alike to experience a...
Jack Gersten with his dog, Mel. CONTRIBUTED

Jack Gersten with his dog, Mel. CONTRIBUTED

Highway tragedy inspires compassionate response

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, April 16, 2026
A tragic fatality accident in Greene County on April 7 on I-20 inspired locals to get involved and find a beloved missing dog belonging to the deceased.According to the Georgia State Patrol, an F-150 being driven by Jack Gersten was traveling westbound on I-20 near milepost 143 when the truck left...
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