News

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

C-PACE creates controversy for county commission

Ian Tocher
Wednesday, November 26, 2025
A relatively routine Putnam County Commission meeting turned unexpectedly contentious Nov. 18 when District 3 Commissioner Stephen Hersey sharply criticized county leadership over transparency related to a significant financing action involving the county’s development authority.According to a U.S.
Gage Brown (left) and McClain Allgood (right) of Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) received Lifesaving Awards from Georgia EMC during the state association’s annual meeting this year in Savannah. CGEMC serves more 66,000 billed accounts in 16 counties, including Putnam County. CONTRIBUTED

Gage Brown (left) and McClain Allgood (right) of Central Georgia EMC (CGEMC) received Lifesaving Awards from Georgia EMC during the state association’s annual meeting this year in Savannah. CGEMC serves more 66,000 billed accounts in 16 counties, including Putnam County. CONTRIBUTED

Georgia EMC recognizes off-duty employees’ heroics

News Staff
Thursday, November 20, 2025
What began as a night of celebration on Lake Oconee turned into a heroic but heartbreaking rescue effort after a boating accident during Fourth of July festivities.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Juveniles nabbed for throwing rocks at vehicles

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Two Putnam County juveniles were arrested last week in connection with several incidents of vehicles damaged by rocks thrown, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.The two boys are each 14 years old; authorities are not identifying them due to their age. They were arrested Friday, Nov.
Abhi Chawla

Abhi Chawla

Madison students named to National Honor Society

News Staff
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Athens Academy inducted 61 students into the National Honor Society on Oct. 24, including two students from Madison: Abhi Chawla, son of Priya and Mike Chawla, and Millie Pugmire, daughter of Allison and Austin Pugmire.
Capstone Athletics’ 18,000-square-foot facility will provide local athletes the opportunity to practice their skills close to home. The business is open to all age groups and athletes in various sports. CONTRIBUTED

Capstone Athletics’ 18,000-square-foot facility will provide local athletes the opportunity to practice their skills close to home. The business is open to all age groups and athletes in various sports. CONTRIBUTED

The Capstone Athletics to open in early December

Skyla Morris
Thursday, November 20, 2025
The Capstone Athletics is a new sports training facility located in Madison on Amtico Road and will open its doors Dec. 6 with a grand opening at 9 a.m.
Amanda Swearingen

Amanda Swearingen

Eatonton woman killed in UTV accident; 2 injured

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An Eatonton woman was killed early Saturday, Nov. 15, in a UTV accident, according to authorities.Amanda Swearingen, 43, died when the Polaris UTV she was driving went off the road and overturned, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Motorist injured in Highway 44 crash

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A serious accident at 3241 Lake Oconee Parkway on Highway 44 just south of the commercial district on Nov. 14 led to speculation that someone had been killed in a crash on social media sites, but that was not the case, according to authorities.
Quilts from the Lake Oconee Quilting Guild were put on display at The Marlor House in downtown Milledgeville. ALIVIA BLANTON/Staff

Quilts from the Lake Oconee Quilting Guild were put on display at The Marlor House in downtown Milledgeville. ALIVIA BLANTON/Staff

Allied Arts Quilt Challenge inspires seasonal excitement

Alivia Blanton
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Allied Arts hosted a quilting exhibit and challenge from Nov. 5-21, inviting local quilters of all ages and skill sets to showcase their work interpreting the theme “Pre-season.” Nine quilts were entered into the competition, which remain on display inside the gallery at the Marlor House, 201 N.
Corey A. Hickey

Corey A. Hickey

Accused child molester now arrested on rape charges

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A man who was arrested two weeks ago on charges related to creating child pornography is back in jail facing a number of additional charges, including rape, according to authorities.Corey Andrew Hickey, 38, of the Twin Bridges Road area, was arrested Oct.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Teenager arrested on obstruction, weapons charges

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An Athens teenager faces numerous charges after fleeing from a traffic stop conducted by a Greene County deputy on Nov. 11.Vraille Amon Hudson, 18, of Athens, is being charged with carrying a concealed weapon, obstruction or hindering law enforcement officers, and tampering with evidence.
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