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Part history teacher and part motivational life coach, U.S. Air Force Col. (ret.) Lee Ellis kept his audience enthralled with remarkable tales of courage, perseverance, and hope surrounding his more than five years in a Vietnamese POW facility. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Part history teacher and part motivational life coach, U.S. Air Force Col. (ret.) Lee Ellis kept his audience enthralled with remarkable tales of courage, perseverance, and hope surrounding his more than five years in a Vietnamese POW facility. IAN TOCHER/Staff

POW stay in ‘Hanoi Hilton’ provides life lessons

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Following an introduction by BankSouth President and CEO Harold Reynolds, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Lee Ellis took the stage at Lake Oconee Church last Thursday evening, where he presented “Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton,” a harrowing tale of courage, character, and resilience.
Melvin Tiller

Melvin Tiller

Teenager arrested in drive-by shooting incident

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, July 24, 2025
The Madison Police Department and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office are investigating a drive-by shooting on Meadow Ridge Drive on July 20, which has resulted in one arrest. Bullets struck two homes, but no injuries were reported.According to reports, Sgt.
A Morgan County investigator secures suspect Daquan Unique Davis. CONTRIBUTED

A Morgan County investigator secures suspect Daquan Unique Davis. CONTRIBUTED

Wild police chase leads to three arrests

Michael Stone
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Law enforcement personnel from Greene County, Morgan County, and the city of Greensboro arrested two men and a woman on July 10 after a lengthy chase and foot pursuit.Chrishawn Tyrone Johnson, 31, of Raeford, N.C.
Lakika Culp

Lakika Culp

Putnam County woman jailed for theft from employer

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, July 17, 2025
An Eatonton woman was arrested last week for stealing approximately $2,000 worth of electronics while she was working at Walmart.Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said Lakika Culp had worked at Walmart in Eatonton for almost 20 years.
Dr. Arryn Schmuhl stands alongside his wife and son while taking the oath of office as the GCSS superintendent. COURTESY OF GREENE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Dr. Arryn Schmuhl stands alongside his wife and son while taking the oath of office as the GCSS superintendent. COURTESY OF GREENE COUNTY SCHOOLS

Schmuhl sworn in as GCSS superintendent

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 17, 2025
The Greene County Board of Education held a called meeting on July 10 to vote on the final approval of Dr. Arryn Schmuhl as the new GCSS superintendent. The BOE entered an executive session to discuss personnel matters, and Schmuhl was sworn in by Judge Russell Wall shortly after.
Robert A. Kline

Robert A. Kline

Greene County deputy arrested and fired

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, July 17, 2025
A Greene County deputy has been arrested and fired after he allegedly tased a person in handcuffs, according to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI).Former Deputy Robert Allen Kline, age 51, of Lexington, has been charged with aggravated assault and violation of the oath of office.
Thanks to hard work by firefighters, the historic Morgan County Courthouse in the background was spared any damage from the fire. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Thanks to hard work by firefighters, the historic Morgan County Courthouse in the background was spared any damage from the fire. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Fire destroys Betty Gene’s and Community Market

News Staff
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Elements of the Madison Fire Department responded to a fire at Betty Gene’s restaurant on Hancock Street in under a minute on July 13.
‘Dottie’ McClain made an impact on Eatonton

‘Dottie’ McClain made an impact on Eatonton

‘Dottie’ McClain made an impact on Eatonton

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Eatonton lost one of its most prominent citizens on July 4, as Dorothy “Dottie” Anne Sprouse McClain, 83, peacefully passed away in bed at home on Madison Avenue.Born November 2, 1941, in Charlottesville, Va., Dottie grew up with just one sister, Paula Lee Spradlin, who is now deceased.
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