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An aerial view of the crossroads for Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s new Carter Crossing development emphasizes the rural nature of the site. CONTRIBUTED

An aerial view of the crossroads for Habitat for Humanity of Putnam’s new Carter Crossing development emphasizes the rural nature of the site. CONTRIBUTED

HFHP’s Carter Crossing progressing as planned

News Staff
Thursday, July 2, 2026
A little over a year ago, Habitat for Humanity of Putnam (HFHP) publicly unveiled its ambitious vision for Carter Crossing, a planned workforce housing neighborhood designed to expand affordable homeownership opportunities for local families.
This Air Force C-130J flown by Lt. Col. Ryan Sanders had everyone in Lake Country talking. CONTRIBUTED

This Air Force C-130J flown by Lt. Col. Ryan Sanders had everyone in Lake Country talking. CONTRIBUTED

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‘Fini Flight’

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, July 2, 2026
If you happened to glance up at the vast sky on June 26, you might have spotted a U.S. Air Force C-130J flying at an unusually low altitude.It wasn’t a military exercise or the prelude to anything over Lake Country, but rather the final flight — known in Air Force circles as a “fini flight” — of Lt.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Three killed in early morning crash on I-20

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, July 2, 2026
A young couple and an active duty Marine died June 27 in a crash on I-20.According to the Georgia State Patrol, a gray Ford Mustang was traveling eastbound on I-20 near milepost 138 in the early morning hours when its right-front tire struck a maroon Nissan Maxima.
Hans Dawson

Hans Dawson

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Dawson continues lobbying local support for quarry

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Facing perhaps the most organized opposition his company has encountered, Hans Dawson of Wisconsin-based Land and Stone Products and co-owner of Putnam County Stone (PCS) said the controversy surrounding a proposed granite quarry in Putnam County has become as much about communication as...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Legislature kills sales tax for property tax swap

Ty Tagami
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Democrats in the Legislature on Monday closed the door on Republican proposals to implement new local sales taxes to offset homeowner property tax bills.On the fourth day of their special session, Republicans got a do-over of Saturday's vote that nixed the tax swap.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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BOE approves budget; discipline process updated

Skyla Morris
Thursday, June 25, 2026
The Greene County Board of Education adopted the school system’s fiscal year 2027 budget and discussed several policy matters during its June 18 meeting.The board held a public hearing on the FY27 budget shortly before Thursday evening’s meeting, following an earlier hearing on June 11.
Event participants have gotten really creative over the years with their Fourth of July boat decorations. Scan the QR code above for the starting location. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Event participants have gotten really creative over the years with their Fourth of July boat decorations. Scan the QR code above for the starting location. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Lake Oconee July 4th boat parade returns

Lance McCurley
Thursday, June 25, 2026
The stars and stripes will once more take over Lake Oconee this Independence Day as residents and visitors gather for the 7th annual Lake Oconee Fourth of July Boat Parade.
Putnam County Public Works crews clear trees from roadways after the storm. Tri-County EMC reported almost 5,000 meters were without power in Putnam and Jones counties. (Photo via social media)

Putnam County Public Works crews clear trees from roadways after the storm. Tri-County EMC reported almost 5,000 meters were without power in Putnam and Jones counties. (Photo via social media)

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Two dead, property damaged by remnants of tropical storm

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, the first named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, left their mark on portions of Putnam County last week. A downed tree claimed the lives of two young men, while other fallen trees caused power outages and blocked roadways.
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