News

Abias Smith

LOA student arrested after gun found in car

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, August 13, 2026

A Lake Oconee Academy senior was arrested Aug. 5 after an investigation that began when a cigarette lighter fell from his backpack and ultimately led to the discovery of a firearm in his car.Abias Smith, 18, of 1690 Northeast St., Greensboro, is being charged with possession of a weapon in a school...

LOA Senior Lynn Nation and junior Chandler Clark took part in organizing the school’s blood donation program earlier this year, and both received a $500 scholarship from Red Cross. CONTRIBUTED

LOA students earn Red Cross scholarships

Skyla Morris

Thursday, August 13, 2026

Lake Oconee Academy recently recognized two high school students for their efforts in coordinating the school’s blood drive earlier this year.

County Commission District 4 candidate Jennifer Ray reads a prepared statement Sunday afternoon in downtown Eatonton. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Quarry protest rocks Putnam courthouse

Ian Tocher

Thursday, August 13, 2026

About two dozen opponents of a proposed granite quarry on Dennis Station Road endured hot, humid conditions Sunday, Aug. 9, as they took their months-long protest to the steps of the Putnam County Courthouse.Several speakers made lengthy, often emotional appeals to protect the area’s land, water...

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Neighborhood bar fined $17,000 by U.S. Court

Lynn Hobbs

Thursday, August 13, 2026

A neighborhood hangout known for its pool tables, karaoke nights, live bands and cold beer has been ordered to pay more than $17,000 for copyright violations, according to court records.Broadcast Music Inc. filed a complaint in late January against Pals Watering Hole on Harmony Road and its owners,...

Morgan County Director of Planning and Development Chuck Jarrell spoke to the Madison City Council during its July 31 work session about the county’s 120-day moratorium on data centers and the potential impact of the facilities on water, electricity and other local resources. CONTRIBUTED

Madison, Morgan County prepare for possible data centers

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Madison City Council hosted Morgan County leaders at its July 31 work session to discuss the looming issue of data centers and the potential impact they could have on both government entities in the months and years ahead.Morgan County Director of Planning and Development Chuck Jarrell updated...

Thao Nguyen, a sophomore at UGA and Mae Daniel, a GCSU graduate student, spent their summer as interns with The Wheelhouse, assessing the needs of small business owners in Madison. CONTRIBUTED

Wheelhouse interns share experience assessing businesses

Skyla Morris

Thursday, August 6, 2026

The Wheelhouse, a Madison-based nonprofit organization, is known for helping local entrepreneurs grow their small businesses in Morgan County.This summer, two college students joined the organization as interns to assess the needs of local entrepreneurs and their businesses.Mae Daniel, who is...

Malik J. Worthen

Milledgeville man arrested for assault

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, August 6, 2026

A Milledgeville man was arrested July 27 on multiple charges after allegedly kicking a pregnant woman in the stomach.Malik Ja’ron Worthen, 2215 Leo Court, has been charged with aggravated assault, cruelty to children and theft by taking.According to reports, Greene County Deputy Carter Cadwallader...

Jason Hicks

GBI arrests man on 8 felony counts for child pornography

Lynn Hobbs

Thursday, August 6, 2026

An Eatonton man has been arrested for sexual exploitation of children, authorities say.Jason Hicks, 55, of Eatonton, was arrested Thursday, July 23, and charged with eight felony counts of possession or control of any material depicting a minor in sexually explicit conduct, according to Putnam...

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Student arrested after chilling weapon threat

T. Michael Stone

Thursday, August 6, 2026

A 14-year-old student at Morgan County Middle School was arrested Aug. 3 and charged with terroristic threat and acts after claiming he had a gun in his bookbag.According to a report obtained from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, MCMS Principal Marcus Wyatt said the student was in art class when...

The families of Bennett Rabern and Avett Jackson did the honors of cutting the ribbon for the Rabern-Jackson Memorial Garden July 30 at Morgan County Middle School. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

MCMS dedicates Memorial Garden to Bennett Rabern, Avett Jackson

Skyla Morris

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Morgan County Charter Schools officially dedicated the Rabern-Jackson Memorial Garden on July 30 with a public ceremony after more than a year of planning.The Thursday morning ceremony took place in the newly dedicated space, adjacent to the Morgan County Middle School front entrance.The memorial...

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