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Recently installed Putnam General Hospital CEO Todd Goss addressed EPTAH representatives meeting at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in downtown Eatonton last Wednesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Recently installed Putnam General Hospital CEO Todd Goss addressed EPTAH representatives meeting at the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce in downtown Eatonton last Wednesday. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Future plans outlined by new PGH chief

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Just seven weeks into his tenure as chief executive officer of Putnam General Hospital, Todd “Tog” Goss says one of the hospital’s biggest challenges has nothing to do with patient care. Instead, it’s making sure people know what PGH has to offer.
All that’s left of the once-mighty, 1,007-feet-tall smokestack that towered over Plant Branch is a circular concrete base in an open field. Built in 1978, the smokestack was dropped in a controlled demolition on Oct. 15, 2016. COURTESY GEORGIA POWER

All that’s left of the once-mighty, 1,007-feet-tall smokestack that towered over Plant Branch is a circular concrete base in an open field. Built in 1978, the smokestack was dropped in a controlled demolition on Oct. 15, 2016. COURTESY GEORGIA POWER

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EPA proposes new coal ash permit plan

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a new permitting approach that could affect coal ash cleanup projects nationwide, including ongoing closure and recycling efforts at Georgia Power’s retired Plant Branch in southern Putnam County.
Pho & More co-owner Marino Graf (with scissors) stands with his wife, Summer, her father, John Nguyen, and the couple’s daughter while friends and employees help them celebrate during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Pho & More co-owner Marino Graf (with scissors) stands with his wife, Summer, her father, John Nguyen, and the couple’s daughter while friends and employees help them celebrate during a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Eatonton-Putnam Chamber of Commerce. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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Pho & More restaurant introduces Vietnamese cuisine to Lake Country

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Less than four months after opening its doors at 113 Harmony Crossing, Pho & More has already built a loyal following.
St. Mary’s and community leaders pose for a photo to celebrate breaking ground for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Pavilion. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

St. Mary’s and community leaders pose for a photo to celebrate breaking ground for St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Pavilion. LEIGH LOFGREN/Staff

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St. Mary’s breaks ground on $45.6M expansion

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Leaders from St. Mary’s Health Care System and the community it serves broke ground today on the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Pavilion, a $45.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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MCCS shares several updates ahead of 2026-27 school year

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 23, 2026
The Morgan County Board of Education met July 20 to discuss the upcoming 2026-27 school year.To begin the Staff Reports section of the agenda, MCSS Assistant Superintendent Jay Homan gave an overview of recent weeks within the school system.
Amaury Reyes

Amaury Reyes

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Party brawl sends one to hospital, two behind bars

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Two people were arrested after a party got out of hand over the weekend.Amaury Saradinas Reyes, 31, of Florida, was arrested around 4 a.m. July 14 and booked into Putnam County Jail on one count of aggravated assault. He was later released on a $5,000 cash bond.
District 2’s Richard Garrett was the only Putnam County commissioner to attend the July 2 Planning & Zoning meeting that permitted Putnam County Stone to refile its rezoning application for a proposed quarry alongside Dennis Station Road. IAN TOCHER/Staff

District 2’s Richard Garrett was the only Putnam County commissioner to attend the July 2 Planning & Zoning meeting that permitted Putnam County Stone to refile its rezoning application for a proposed quarry alongside Dennis Station Road. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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P&Z refiling resumes Putnam quarry fight

Ian Tocher
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Putnam County Stone (PCS) LLC has formally refiled its rezoning application for a proposed quarry in Putnam County, restarting the county’s review process with what officials describe as a “substantially revised proposal.”The new application seeks to rezone 342.
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, both Democrats, describe the impact of the bipartisan federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act while standing in Adamsville Drive in Southwest Atlanta on July 13. TY TAGAMI/Capitol Beat

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, both Democrats, describe the impact of the bipartisan federal 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act while standing in Adamsville Drive in Southwest Atlanta on July 13. TY TAGAMI/Capitol Beat

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Warnock and Dickens tout bipartisan federal housing law

Ty Tagami
Thursday, July 16, 2026
U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock joined other Democratic officials, including Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, in front of a corporate-owned house in southwest Atlanta on Monday to celebrate a new federal law intended to give renters more hope in their quest to become homeowners.
Deaner Rutland

Deaner Rutland

D&K Strategy Solutions joins Chamber

News Staff
Thursday, July 16, 2026
The Greene County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed D&K Strategy Solutions as its newest member. Founded by CEO Deaner Rutland, D&K Strategy Solutions specializes in advanced tax planning, wealth strategy, and business advisory services for high-income business owners and professionals.
Carlos Campos (kneeling) prepares to cut the ribbon July 10, to officially reopen Nesbitt Repair, an existing business that he and his wife, Chantel, purchased early this year from its founder, Frank Nesbitt. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Carlos Campos (kneeling) prepares to cut the ribbon July 10, to officially reopen Nesbitt Repair, an existing business that he and his wife, Chantel, purchased early this year from its founder, Frank Nesbitt. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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Nesbitt Repair celebrates grand opening under new ownership

Skyla Morris
Thursday, July 16, 2026
Nesbitt Repair, an electrical and plumbing repair business based in Morgan County, recently celebrated its new ownership with a ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside the Madison-Morgan Chamber of Commerce.
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