News

With a photo of the Dermonds’ Great Waters home on the TV mounted behind him, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills presents the evidence gathered so far in what he admits is the “toughest case” of his career so far. IAN TOCHER/Staff

With a photo of the Dermonds’ Great Waters home on the TV mounted behind him, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills presents the evidence gathered so far in what he admits is the “toughest case” of his career so far. IAN TOCHER/Staff

GWM ‘Crime & Wine’ delivers Dermond discussion

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Georgia Writers Museum and its popular Crime & Wine series, led by Cold Case Investigative Research Institute founder and Director Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, presented Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills updating a packed house Friday night on the unsolved May 2014 murders of Russell and Shirley Dermond...
Crews work on downed limbs and power lines at the intersection of North Maple Avenue and Madison Road at the north end of Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Crews work on downed limbs and power lines at the intersection of North Maple Avenue and Madison Road at the north end of Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Putnam County largely spared by Helene’s wrath

Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 3, 2024
Tragically, at least 25 people in Georgia lost their lives to Hurricane Helene. At the same time, the far south and eastern side of the state suffered billions of dollars in total damage.
The milk shelves at Walmart in Madison were bare after victims of Hurricane Helene to the east traveled west to search for supplies. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

The milk shelves at Walmart in Madison were bare after victims of Hurricane Helene to the east traveled west to search for supplies. T. MICHAEL STONE/Staff

Lake Country spared the worst of Hurricane Helene

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, October 3, 2024
While Lake Country was spared the most intense winds and rain brought by Hurricane Helene, the storm has killed more than 110 people across the southeast, a number expected to rise in the coming days. Thirty-five were killed in Buncombe County, North Carolina, alone.
BREAKING NEWS | LAKE OCONEE NEWS

BREAKING NEWS | LAKE OCONEE NEWS

Morgan County responds to BioLab fire

Hannah Barron
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Morgan County is actively monitoring air quality after the BioLab chemical facility caught fire in nearby Conyers Sunday, releasing chlorine and potentially other chemicals into the air.County manager Adam Mestres said a haze and chlorine smell were reported throughout the county, particularly on...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

12-year-old arrested for threats against Putnam County school

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Another Putnam County student has been arrested for making threats at school, Eatonton Police Chief Howell Cardwell said.On Thursday, Sept. 19, a Putnam County Middle School teacher overheard the threat and immediately reported it to Principal Monica Macklin, who called Cardwell.“The offender was...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Residents respond to Madison community survey

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, September 26, 2024
The residents of Madison have spoken.The recently completed community survey results show that hundreds of Madison residents offered opinions about what they like about Madison and their concerns about its future.Sean P. McKinley and Elizabeth Miller of the University of New Hampshire Survey...
Josh and Lauren Sprayberry (left) were joined by family members in a ceremonial groundbreaking last Thursday for the Len Resort & Residences, slated for completion in May 2026 on the Putnam County shores of Lake Oconee. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Josh and Lauren Sprayberry (left) were joined by family members in a ceremonial groundbreaking last Thursday for the Len Resort & Residences, slated for completion in May 2026 on the Putnam County shores of Lake Oconee. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Len Resort breaks ground, outlines project

Ian Tocher
Thursday, September 26, 2024
A groundbreaking ceremony for the Len Resort & Residences on the Putnam County side of Lake Oconee last Thursday afternoon attracted a sizable crowd, largely made up of Putnam and Greene counties’ movers and shakers, including politicians, business owners, real estate executives, and county...
John Klimm (CONTRIBUTED)

John Klimm (CONTRIBUTED)

Allegations stack up against Madison city manager

Hannah Barron
Thursday, September 26, 2024
John Klimm, Madison’s city manager since 2022, is facing allegations from city employees of bullying and ineffective leadership.In an anonymous letter sent to the mayor and city council on July 16, city employees alleged they have been “subjugated to a toxic work environment.”The employees cited...
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Greensboro adopts curfew for local youth due to safety

T. Michael Stone
Thursday, September 26, 2024
According to Assistant Police Chief Tommy Nelson, the Greensboro Police Department and the Greensboro City Council have imposed a curfew for youths under 18.Nelson said the measure aims to improve the safety and well-being of Greensboro youth and the community at large.Curfew hours begin at 10 p.m....
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