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The families of Bennett Rabern, Avett Jackson, and Bryson Hammond are prayed over at a community vigil held Sunday at Morgan County High School. HANNAH BARRON/Staff

The families of Bennett Rabern, Avett Jackson, and Bryson Hammond are prayed over at a community vigil held Sunday at Morgan County High School. HANNAH BARRON/Staff

One Morgan: Community rallies after tragic accident

Hannah Barron
Thursday, January 30, 2025
The Morgan community has shown what it means to be “One Morgan,” jumping into action to help one another following the tragic ATV accident last Monday that killed 12-year-olds Bennett Rabern and Avett Jackson but also injured 12-year-old Bryson Hammond.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Buckhead stores burglarized

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, January 30, 2025
A pair of convenience stores in the Buckhead area were burglarized last week.Morgan County deputies responded to the Sunoco off Seven Islands Road on the morning of Jan. 16 about a burglary. Deputies found the window shattered and a pick axe between window bars.
L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

L-R: Putnam County Commissioners Jeff Wooten (Dist. 4), Dr. Steve Hersey (Dist. 3), Richard Garrett (Dist. 2), and Commission Chairman Bill Sharp listened to presentations about Georgia House Bill 581 while District 1 Commissioner Tom McElhenney attended the meeting by phone. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Putnam BOC chairman breaks tie to confirm HB 581 opt-in

Ian Tocher
Thursday, January 30, 2025
It came down to one word. After more than an hour of debate in a meeting last Friday, one word ultimately determined the Putnam County Commission's decision to opt into State House Bill 581 as it stands.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Madison Exxon burglarized, lottery tickets stolen

T. Michael Stone
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Madison police officers were dispatched to the Exxon off Monticello Highway on Jan. 19 in reference to a burglary in progress.Officers noted when they arrived that the alarm had been activated and the glass on the left side of the store was broken.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Special election coming for open District 5 seat on county commission

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
A special election will be held on March 18 to fill the Morgan County District 5 commissioner vacancy left by Bill Kurtz's recent resignation.Qualifying will be held at the Morgan County Elections Office (237 N. 2nd St., Madison) from 9 a.m. on Jan. 29 to 1 p.m. on Jan. 31.
An aerial view of the land to be used for Rivian’s production facility in Georgia. From DOE report

An aerial view of the land to be used for Rivian’s production facility in Georgia. From DOE report

Rivian, DOE finalize loan agreement for Georgia plant

News Staff
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Rivian announced on Jan. 16 that it had closed its loan agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office for up to $6.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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SPLOST 8 up for vote March 18

Hannah Barron
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Greene County voters will soon have their say on extending the current Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which funds local capital improvement projects.The Greene County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution last Tuesday calling for the special election on March 18. SPLOST No.
A half-pound each of marijuana and methamphetamine along with some scales were seized from a house on Sparta Highway, where almost a dozen chained dogs also were found. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

A half-pound each of marijuana and methamphetamine along with some scales were seized from a house on Sparta Highway, where almost a dozen chained dogs also were found. CONTRIBUTED/PCSO

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Search warrant yields drugs, guns, dead dog

Lynn Hobbs
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Local authorities serving a search warrant found more — and less — than they expected.They found the drugs, but not the suspected drug dealer. They also found loaded guns and a lot of dogs, several of which were severely neglected, and one that was dead.Putnam County Sheriff’s Lt.
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