News

Kailan M. Hunter

Lithonia man arrested on drug trafficking charge

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, January 2, 2025

A Lithonia man was arrested by a Greene County deputy on multiple charges on Dec. 16 after a glass jar containing 2.5 ounces of MDMA was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.In addition to trafficking in narcotics charges, Kailan Michael Hunter, 35, of 3576 Cragstone Rd.

Miequele Kieme Posey

Third time is not the charm in trailer theft

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, January 2, 2025

According to reports, an Augusta man who stole an enclosed trailer valued at $8,000 from an address off Monticello Highway crashed into a wall three times on Dec. 26. He then left without the trailer.Miequele Kieme Posey, 38, has been charged with criminal damage to property and criminal attempt.

Judge LaVerne Ogletree is pictured with her retirement gavel during a reception Dec. 27. HANNAH BARRON/Staff

Longtime judge celebrated at retirement ceremony

Hannah Barron

Thursday, January 2, 2025

LaVerne Ogletree has banged her gavel for the last time after serving as Greene County’s probate judge and chief magistrate judge for 45 years.Her service was recognized during a retirement reception at Festival Hall on Dec. 27, as people gave remarks about her service to Greene County.

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Morgan County man charged in fatal crash

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, December 26, 2024

A Morgan County man has been charged with second-degree vehicular homicide for the death of a University of Georgia student who died in a crash on Nov. 29.Jackson Alan Dodgen, 19, a sophomore from Brunswick, died from injuries sustained in the accident.

Whataburger officially opened its doors in Eatonton last Wednesday off Hwy. 441.

Whataburger now open in Eatonton

Story & Photos By Ian Tocher

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Just five months after breaking ground in Eatonton, Whataburger opened on a cool, foggy morning last Wednesday. Located near Walmart and Waffle House alongside Hwy. 441 on the west side of town, Eatonton’s newest fast-food outlet immediately started doing brisk business.

Leon Culver Kelly

Putnam inmate killed in state facility in Macon

Lynn Hobbs

Thursday, December 26, 2024

A longtime Putnam County man was killed in a state prison recently, according to authorities.According to his obituary, Leon Culver Kelly, 47, of Eatonton, died Monday, Dec. 9, leaving his family and friends to cherish his memory.

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Georgia unemployment rate up slightly in November

Dave Williams

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Georgia’s unemployment rate rose slightly last month but still remains lower than the national jobless rate, the state Department of Labor reported Thursday.Georgia's unemployment rate for November was 3.7%, up from 3.6% in October and half a percentage point below the national rate.

Incoming Sheriff Tyler Hooks and his family. CONTRIBUTED

Morgan’s next sheriff: Hooks ready to get to work

Hannah Barron

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Incoming Morgan County Sheriff Tyler Hooks said he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work for the community.The Buckhead resident takes office on Jan. 1, replacing retiring Sheriff Robert Markley.

L-R: Newly elected District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney, District 2 Commissioner Daniel Brown, Commissioner Jeff Wooten of District 4, retiring Putnam County Fire Department Battalion Chief Michael Alford, County Chairman Bill Sharp, and District 3 Commissioner Dr. Steve Hersey stepped forward for Alford’s retirement recognition. IAN TOCHER/Staff

County commission concludes 2024 with marathon meeting

Ian Tocher

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Last Tuesday, the final Putnam County Commission meeting of the year, and the last for outgoing District 2 Commissioner Daniel Brown, was extended to nearly two and a half hours.

Georgia Canine Rescue and Rehabilitation’s Amos enjoys his new toy from Secret Santa. CONTRIBUTED

Rescue Ranch spreads Christmas cheer to pets

Hannah Barron

Thursday, December 26, 2024

For the last couple of years, owners Courtney Bryson and Renee Ussery have partnered with a distributor for the rescue’s Rural Outreach Program.

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