News
Lynn Hobbs
A babysitter who killed a 5-month-old boy in her custody will be spending the next 20 years of her life in prison.Reyna Lopez, 43, of East Marion Street, Eatonton, pled guilty to murder in the second degree Monday in Greene County Superior Court.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Morgan County Middle School eighth grader Emerson Williams was recognized at the recent Board of Education meeting, after winning first place in the 2026 District Spelling Bee. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff
Middle School updates featured at BOE meeting
Skyla Morris
The Morgan County Board of Education met Feb. 9 for its second monthly meeting and discussed several updates across the schools.During the meeting, the majority of the staff reports section covered the middle school, including academics, sports, and safety precautions.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
What started as a traffic stop ended with a man and dog in custody after the discovery of 15 vacuumsealed bags filled with approximately one pound of marijuana each. CONTRIBUTED
Man and dog held in Greene County facilities
T. Michael Stone
A Union County man traveling with a small dog was caught with 15 pounds of marijuana Feb. 6 during an I-20 traffic stop. David Marquis Manigault, 42, was charged with trafficking marijuana and cited for suspended registration.
Thursday, February 12, 2026
Rome assistant coach Chris MacFarland spoke first, talking to the crowd about various topics, including his head coaching experience and what he would bring to the Greene County program. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff
GCHS hosts Q&A with head football coaching candidates
Lance McCurley
Greene County is still searching for its next head football coach, but the process may conclude later this week.The school hosted its final two candidates for a public question-and-answer session on Monday, drawing community members, parents, and school officials, including Dr. Aaryn Schmuhl.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Bill capping annual property tax increases advances through Georgia Senate
Mark Niesse
Georgia homeowners’ property values couldn’t rise faster than the inflation rate, putting the brake on annual property tax increases, according to a bill that passed the state Senate on Tuesday.Property taxes pay for most local services, including schools.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Legislation to ban cellphones in high schools gets enthusiastic reception at Georgia Capitol
Ty Tagami
Legislation to ban cellphones in Georgia public high schools is advancing quickly, with a unanimous vote in favor at a first hearing on Monday.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Missing woman found by K9 dies at hospital
Lynn Hobbs
It’s one of those calls no officer wants to receive, and no person wants to make.Around 6:20 a.m. Monday, a call came in to the Putnam County Sheriff’s 911 Center about an elderly woman who was missing from her home on the 700 block of Lower Harmony Road.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
GCSO launches text notification service
News Staff
The Greene County Sheriff’s Office recently announced the activation of a dedicated outbound SMS text notification service.The new tool is designed to enhance—not replace—the existing MySheriff mobile app, creating a multi-channel approach to public safety and community transparency.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
UGA President Emeritus Adams dies
News Staff
University of Georgia President Emeritus Michael F. Adams, 77, died Jan. 25, following a brief illness. Adams is survived by his wife, Mary Lynn Ethridge Adams, and their sons, David Adams and Taylor Adams (Carrie), as well as three granddaughters, Campbell, Tucker, and Lawson Adams.
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Wealthy businessman Rick Jackson challenges Republican candidates for Georgia governor
Mark Niesse
Billionaire Republican health care executive Rick Jackson’s entry into the Georgia governor’s race this week could shake up a contest that three statewide GOP officeholders have so far dominated.
Thursday, February 5, 2026