Putnam County Sheriff's Office

This county-owned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

This county-owned traffic monitor on the 700 block of Pea Ridge Road is collecting data for the traffic study. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

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Traffic study underway due to safety concerns

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, December 11, 2025
A traffic study is underway on Pea Ridge and Old Phoenix roads. Putnam County Sheriff Howard R. Sills said he is conducting the study because of what he considers high traffic volumes and vehicle crashes on those two roads, and is considering reducing the speed limits.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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Juveniles nabbed for throwing rocks at vehicles

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Two Putnam County juveniles were arrested last week in connection with several incidents of vehicles damaged by rocks thrown, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.The two boys are each 14 years old; authorities are not identifying them due to their age. They were arrested Friday, Nov.
Amanda Swearingen

Amanda Swearingen

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Eatonton woman killed in UTV accident; 2 injured

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
An Eatonton woman was killed early Saturday, Nov. 15, in a UTV accident, according to authorities.Amanda Swearingen, 43, died when the Polaris UTV she was driving went off the road and overturned, Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Corey A. Hickey

Corey A. Hickey

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Accused child molester now arrested on rape charges

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 20, 2025
A man who was arrested two weeks ago on charges related to creating child pornography is back in jail facing a number of additional charges, including rape, according to authorities.Corey Andrew Hickey, 38, of the Twin Bridges Road area, was arrested Oct.
Amber N. McDade

Amber N. McDade

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Woman arrested for pointing gun at deputy

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, November 6, 2025
Around 12:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, Putnam County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Barbee thought he was responding to a routine complaint call to remove a trespasser. But upon his arrival, instead of a trespasser, he found a loaded handgun pointed at him.
Morgan County Sheriff’s Investigators Sgt. Chase Young, Chad Lanier and Joseph Pritchett, and Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Lt. Harry Luke (in green shirt) show the drugs they worked to get off the streets. CONTRIBUTED

Morgan County Sheriff’s Investigators Sgt. Chase Young, Chad Lanier and Joseph Pritchett, and Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Lt. Harry Luke (in green shirt) show the drugs they worked to get off the streets. CONTRIBUTED

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Agencies work together to arrest drug supplier

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Morgan County deputies helped wrap up a drug case that Lt. Harry Luke of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office had been working on for quite a while.For years, each time Putnam County Sheriff’s Investigator Lt.
Joey Lee Mayfield

Joey Lee Mayfield

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Two arrested in investigation of burglaries, thefts, counterfeits

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 28, 2025
A four-month rash of burglaries, mail thefts, identity fraud, and shoplifting reportedly came to an end last week with the arrest of two men in Putnam County. And although many arrests are made without incident, these two were anything but, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Tubing accident sends 7-year-old to hospital

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 21, 2025
A seven-year-old girl was injured in a tubing accident on Lake Oconee on Saturday. She was riding on the inflatable raft with an eight-year-old girl at the time, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills.Shortly before 5 p.m.
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