Howard Sills

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills discusses the Dermond case with reporters recently in his office. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills discusses the Dermond case with reporters recently in his office. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Sheriff discusses Dermond case 12 years later

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, April 30, 2026
This week will mark 12 years since the brutal slayings of Russell and Shirley Dermond in the Lake Oconee area.
Othniel T. Smith

Othniel T. Smith

Fentanyl, nudity, beekeeper’s suit, fried chicken...

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 26, 2026
An Atlanta man arrived in Putnam County approximately two weeks ago and is now accused of handing a bag of fentanyl to a store clerk, crashing his car through a resident’s driveway gate, running away from K9 deputies, and prowling naked in another resident’s front yard before being arrested clad in...
Kenneth D. Brown

Kenneth D. Brown

Shooting incident turns out to be false; caller jailed

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 19, 2026
A flurry of law enforcement activity filled Lakeview Estates Drive and Lane last week in response to a 911 call from a man who said his mother had just been shot in the yard of their house.“Obviously, we responded in a manner one would for such a report,” Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills said.
Reyna Lopez

Reyna Lopez

Babysitter pleads guilty to baby’s murder

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, February 12, 2026
A babysitter who killed a 5-month-old boy in her custody will be spending the next 20 years of her life in prison.Reyna Lopez, 43, of East Marion Street, Eatonton, pled guilty to murder in the second degree Monday in Greene County Superior Court.
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

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

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

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

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.
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