Lake Oconee News e-Edition
Greene County junior Kaden Cummings (3) rushed for 96 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, in the Tigers’ win over Wilkinson County on Aug. 28. MOMMA D'S PIX/Contributed

Greene County junior Kaden Cummings (3) rushed for 96 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, in the Tigers’ win over Wilkinson County on Aug. 28. MOMMA D'S PIX/Contributed

Tigers tame Wilkinson County for first win

Lance McCurley
Greene County found itself in an early hole last Friday night, but the Tigers never let the deficit shake their confidence.After falling behind 12-2, Greene County (1-1) rallied behind a dominant rushing attack and a defense that consistently put Wilkinson County (0-2) in difficult situations,…
Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators get going but still seek first win

News Staff
Despite falling 49-27 to Brentwood last Friday night in Sandersville and dropping to 0-3 on the season, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff said the Gators are showing signs of progress.All three defeats came against what Ratliff considers among the better programs his team will face this year. The…
Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County pounds Hancock Central, improves to 2-0

News Staff
Putnam County continued its strong start to the 2026 season, rolling through Hancock Central 55-6 to improve to 2-0 Friday night in Sparta.The War Eagles controlled the game on both sides of the ball, using a balanced rushing attack to build a commanding lead while the defense kept the Bulldogs out…
Morgan County senior running back Alex Corrias (1) powers through the heart of the Eastside defense for a touchdown. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Morgan County senior running back Alex Corrias (1) powers through the heart of the Eastside defense for a touchdown. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Bulldog makes statement with road win over Class 5A Eastside

News Staff
Morgan County made a statement on the road Friday night, using a physical rushing attack and a strong all-around performance to defeat Class 5A Eastside, 24-10.The Class 3A Bulldogs entered the game knowing the matchup would be a challenge, but they stayed with their game plan and controlled the…
Lake Oconee Academy junior quarterback Jake McDonald drops back to pass during a scrimmage against The Walker School on Aug. 7. McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the Titans’ win over Greenville last Friday. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Lake Oconee Academy junior quarterback Jake McDonald drops back to pass during a scrimmage against The Walker School on Aug. 7. McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the Titans’ win over Greenville last Friday. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Titans overcome unknowns, roll past Greenville

News Staff
Lake Oconee Academy’s football team didn’t know exactly what to expect heading into Week 2 of the 2026 season.The Titans hit the road Aug. 28 for a cross-state matchup with Greenville, marking the first meeting between the two programs. With limited film available on the Patriots, Lake Oconee…
Senior Avery Hill has been a key contributor for the Gators this season, including a standout performance in the team’s comeback win over Athens Christian on Aug. 18. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Senior Avery Hill has been a key contributor for the Gators this season, including a standout performance in the team’s comeback win over Athens Christian on Aug. 18. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Gatewood softball riding momentum into region play

Lance McCurley
Gatewood softball has found its stride at the right time.The Gators enter the week with a 7-3 overall record after winning three of their four games following a comeback victory over Athens Christian on Aug. 18. Gatewood head coach Dena Stancil said that win may have been the turning point her…
Loran Smith/Columnist

Loran Smith/Columnist

Smith: Labor Day goings on

Loran Smith
For the first two weeks of September in Athens, Georgia, we can expect a transition to early fall weather, with an average daytime high of 84 degrees and nighttime lows dropping to a comfortable 60 to 65 degrees — all of which will be accompanied by sunshine, high humidity, and a chance of passing…
David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

OSHM hosts nostalgic ice cream social

News Staff
Eatonton’s Old School History Museum (OSHM) at The Plaza Arts Center hosted its annual Ice Cream Social Aug. 15, drawing crowds for a day of old-fashioned fun and community fellowship.“We’re so happy with the big turnout,” OSHM Director Sandra Rosseter said, emphasizing that it took a team effort…
Brandon T. Justers

Brandon T. Justers

Local man arrested for threatening store operator

T. Michael Stone
A Madison man was arrested Aug. 16 after allegedly threatening a convenience store operator with a razor.Brandon Tobias Justers, 39, of Madison, is charged with terroristic threats and acts and obstruction.According to reports obtained from the Madison Police Department, Sgt. Travis Stubbs was…

PDA messaging misses the mark

News Staff
Letters must be signed and include your full address and phone number for verification; only name and town are printed. Submissions may be edited for content and length. The deadline is 1 p.m. Monday. Send to news@lakeoconeenews.usDear Editor,Walt Rocker took aim and placed blame squarely on…

Perplexed by PDA procedures

News Staff
Dear Editor,I attended the Board of Commissioners meeting last Tuesday, Aug. 18, and stayed for the entire Putnam Development Authority’s (PDA) quarterly status report. I expected progress, but like many other attendees, I was left wanting.Until recent fanfare, most residents did not even know the…
Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Putnam County junior quarterback Caleb Reeves had a big night for the War Eagles in their Aug. 28 win over Hancock Central. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Putnam County pounds Hancock Central, improves to 2-0

Lance McCurley
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Body Putnam County continued its strong start to the 2026 season, rolling through...
Lake Oconee Academy junior quarterback Jake McDonald drops back to pass during a scrimmage against The Walker School on Aug. 7. McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the Titans’ win over Greenville last Friday. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Lake Oconee Academy junior quarterback Jake McDonald drops back to pass during a scrimmage against The Walker School on Aug. 7. McDonald completed 8 of 10 passes for 92 yards and rushed for a 1-yard touchdown in the Titans’ win over Greenville last Friday. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

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Titans overcome unknowns, roll past Greenville

Skyla Morris
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Body Lake Oconee Academy’s football team didn’t know exactly what to expect...
Greene County junior Kaden Cummings (3) rushed for 96 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, in the Tigers’ win over Wilkinson County on Aug. 28. MOMMA D'S PIX/Contributed

Greene County junior Kaden Cummings (3) rushed for 96 yards on eight carries and scored two touchdowns, including the game-winning score, in the Tigers’ win over Wilkinson County on Aug. 28. MOMMA D'S PIX/Contributed

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Tigers tame Wilkinson County for first win

Monday, August 31, 2026

Greene County found itself in an early hole last Friday night, but the Tigers never let the deficit shake their confidence.

News 

Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch habitat founder Virginia Linch (far right), and the BBBP habitat’s supporters and friends gather around the “Butterfly Girl” to commemorate the reveal of the new addition at the habitat. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Butterflies & Blooms in the Briar Patch habitat founder Virginia Linch (far right), and the BBBP habitat’s supporters and friends gather around the “Butterfly Girl” to commemorate the reveal of the new addition at the habitat. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

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Butterflies and supporters attend statue reveal

Lynn Hobbs
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Body As the founder of Butterflies and Blooms in the Briar Patch, Virginia Linch...
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Sports 

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood quarterback Blake Brannen (10) rushes past Brentwood defenders in last Friday night's loss to the War Eagles. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators get going but still seek first win

Ian Tocher
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Body Despite falling 49-27 to Brentwood last Friday night in Sandersville and...
LOA sophomore pitcher Kaitlyn Mamay delivers a pitch during a road game against North Oconee in Bogart on Aug. 3. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

LOA sophomore pitcher Kaitlyn Mamay delivers a pitch during a road game against North Oconee in Bogart on Aug. 3. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

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LOA softball gears up for region play

Lance McCurley
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Body Lake Oconee Academy softball coach Glynn McDaniel knew his team would face...
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Community 

David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

David and Jesse Hodge of Eatonton’s new Crooked D Creamery were on hand for the OSHM Ice Cream Social, explaining the ice cream-making process and giving out free, freshly made samples to an appreciative audience. CONTRIBUTED

OSHM hosts nostalgic ice cream social

News Staff
Thursday, August 27, 2026
Body Eatonton’s Old School History Museum (OSHM) at The Plaza Arts Center hosted...
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Obituaries 

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Body It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bonnie Sullivan (Hankins) of...
Jeffrey Lemming

Jeffrey Lemming

Jeffrey Lemming

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
Body Jeffrey Lynn Lemming, affectionately known as Jeff or "Lemdog," passed away...
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