Lake Oconee News e-Edition
Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

News Staff
An autistic 18-year-old man visiting Lake Rutledge with the Atlanta mentorship group Purpose 2 Inspire was found deceased in the water during the early morning hours of June 11, according to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.Sheriff Tyler Hooks said his agency received a call about the missing 18-…
Bonnie Brown

Bonnie Brown

Former NGA teacher on trial for sexual conduct with student

Staff Reports
The trial of Bonnie Elizabeth Brown began Monday in Greene County Superior Court. She is one of two former Nathanael Greene Academy teachers arrested for having sexual contact with students.Brown, 25 at the time, was arrested March 21, 2025, by the GBI and charged with improper sexual contact by an…
Plenty to be decided by Tuesday’s runoff

Plenty to be decided by Tuesday’s runoff

Plenty to be decided by Tuesday’s runoff

T. Michael Stone
If you haven’t voted early, you have one more chance to have your voice heard in the June 16 primary runoff.Republican candidates Jason Easley and Terry Lawler were clear favorites in the race for District 1 seat on the Greene County Board of Commissioners in the primary with Easley collecting 471…
Aunt Fairy

Aunt Fairy

Aunt Fairy

Ronda Rich
Every time we sing “Precious Memories” at church or for a funeral, I always think of my daddy’s Aunt Fairy, who raised him.His daddy beat him, his mama left him, so without hesitation, Aunt Fairy and Uncle Oscar took him and raised him on their farm in the shadows of the Appalachian Trail. When…
Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

Manning Brothers: More than half a century of innovative food service

News Staff
Great people meet challenges with innovative solutions, and we’ve been there. Whatever your food service opportunity, we’ve likely seen it—and solved it—before. At Manning Brothers, you are served by people with real-world, frontline experience.With a staff comprised of former cooks, hospitality…
DAISY award recipient Sue Martin

DAISY award recipient Sue Martin

Martin receives Good Samaritan Hospital’s first DAISY Award

News Staff
Sue Martin, a registered nurse providing bedside care on the Medical/Surgical Unit at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital, has received the hospital’s first DAISY Award for Nursing Excellence. She was nominated by the daughters of a patient whose outlook on recovery was changed by Martin’s care.“I…
Charles Seabrook

Charles Seabrook

Georgia Writers Museum hosts a special ‘Bucket List’ experience

News Staff
“Bucket List” is a phrase made famous by the hit movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. What would be the sights in Georgia that would make your “must-see” bucket list?Georgia Writers Museum is excited to bring 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die as its July Meet the…
Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare for hurricane season

Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare for hurricane season

Georgia Power encourages customers to prepare for hurricane season

News Staff
The Atlantic hurricane season is here and runs through Nov. 30. Georgia Power is encouraging customers to take simple steps now to protect their families, homes and businesses. Hurricane season can bring heavy rain, strong winds and flooding to both coastal and inland communities. While the…
Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton.

Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton.

Crooked D Creamery

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but co-owner David Hodge said the journey to opening the handcrafted ice cream shop began years before the first scoop was served.“I just love ice cream — with a passion,” Hodge declared May 28, shortly after an official ribbon…
The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

The most prominent features of the refurbished back entrance to the Georgia Writers Museum are the new wheelchair ramp, new doors, and decorative shutters covering long-ago bricked-in window openings. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Georgia Writers Museum revitalizes historic rear facade

News Staff
You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but for Georgia Writers Museum, appearances matter. Located near a highly visible entrance to Eatonton’s historic downtown at Highway 44 and South Jefferson Avenue, the museum is one of the first landmarks visitors encounter. While the front of the…
Reynolds Lake Oconee introduces Landing Cottages

Reynolds Lake Oconee introduces Landing Cottages

Reynolds Lake Oconee introduces Landing Cottages

News Staff
Reynolds Lake Oconee (RLO) announced June 4, the opening of Landing Cottages at Parkland Court, a collection of accommodations to further enhance its lodging portfolio. Available to guests since June 1, the cottages offer “a fresh way to experience one of the Southeast’s most distinctive resort…
Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

Eighteen-year-old drowns at Lake Rutledge

Friday, June 12, 2026

An autistic 18-year-old man visiting Lake Rutledge with the Atlanta mentorship group Purpose 2 Inspire was found deceased in the water during the early morning hours of June 11, according to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.

News 

Aunt Fairy

Aunt Fairy

Aunt Fairy

Ronda Rich
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Body Every time we sing “Precious Memories” at church or for a funeral, I always...
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Sports 

Sophomore Lawson Moore was named the GIAA Class 2A Pitcher of the Year and Region Player of the Year after posting a .420 batting average with 10 home runs while compiling a 1.38 ERA during the 2026 season.

Sophomore Lawson Moore was named the GIAA Class 2A Pitcher of the Year and Region Player of the Year after posting a .420 batting average with 10 home runs while compiling a 1.38 ERA during the 2026 season.

Five Gators earn postseason recognition

Trey Norris
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Body Shortly after capturing a fourth-straight and fifth baseball state title in...
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Community 

Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton.

Crooked D Creamery founders and owners David Hodge (center, with scissors) and his wife, Jesse (center, sunglasses), welcomed a sizable crowd of well-wishers May 28 for their official ribbon cutting ceremony at 110 N. Jefferson Ave., in downtown Eatonton.

Crooked D Creamery

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Body Crooked D Creamery may be the newest sweet spot in downtown Eatonton, but...
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Obituaries 

Larry Smith

Larry Smith

Larry Smith

News Staff
Thursday, June 4, 2026
Body Larry Smith, beloved husband, father, son, and friend, passed away on Wednesday,...
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