Lake Oconee News e-Edition
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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 on March 21, 2025, by the GBI and charged with improper sexual…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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 emerged as the clear favorites in the race for the District 1 seat on the Greene County Board of Commissioners during the primary election…
Ronda Rich/Columnist

Ronda Rich/Columnist

Rich: Aunt Fairy

Ronda Rich
Every time we sing “Precious Memories” at church or at a funeral, I 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 in and raised him on their farm in the shadows of the Appalachian Trail.When World War…
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 film starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. But what sights in Georgia would make your own must-see list?The Georgia Writers Museum is set to explore that question during its July Meet the Author event, featuring 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to…
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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Crooked D Creamery scoops up success in Eatonton

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…
Melissa Thomas

Melissa Thomas

GCSS names Melissa Thomas as deputy superintendent of learning and support

News Staff
The Greene County School System has announced Melissa Thomas as its new deputy superintendent of Learning and Support, a key leadership role designed to unify and strengthen the district’s academic and student support services.As part of a strategic organizational shift, the GCSS is aligning all…
Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson rounds third base after blasting the go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning against Mississippi State in Game 2 of the Athens Super Regional. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson rounds third base after blasting the go-ahead two-run home run in the top of the 10th inning against Mississippi State in Game 2 of the Athens Super Regional. LANCE MCCURLEY/Staff

OMAHA BOUND! Georgia sweeps Miss State in exciting Super Regional

Story And Photos By Lance Mccurley
ATHENS — For the first time in 18 years, Georgia baseball is headed back to Omaha.Behind a relentless offense, timely pitching, and a resilience forged through years of postseason heartbreak, the third-seeded Bulldogs swept No. 14 Mississippi State in the Athens Super Regional, winning a pair of…
Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lauren Paxson (1) and teammate Avery Hill will help lead the Lady Gators as seniors this season. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Lady Gators aim to build toward future in offseason

Lance McCurley
After reaching the GIAA Final Four last season, the Gatewood Lady Gators have quickly shifted their focus toward the future.Under head coach Ferdinand Farley, the program is using the summer months to lay the groundwork for another successful season, emphasizing strength training, skill development…
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
Shortly after capturing a fourth-straight and fifth baseball state title in program history, Gatewood had five players receive All-Region and All-State honors.Sophomores Connor Mitchem, Lawson Moore, Jayden Moss, and Ben Pearson, along with senior Ben Brannen, earned All-Region and All-State honors…
Quarterback Bryce Blasingame drops back to pass. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Quarterback Bryce Blasingame drops back to pass. LANCE McCURLEY/Staff

Dogs use 7-on-7 camp to evaluate depth, personnel

Lance McCurley
Morgan County took part in the Athens Academy 7-on-7 camp last week, using the competitive setting to get an early look at its roster and gather valuable teaching points for the upcoming season.The camp at Athens was the first of several team activities the Bulldogs have planned for the summer.Head…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

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 

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival in Downtown Eatonton. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page)

Representatives of Putnam County Stone encouraged support for its quarry proposal at Saturday’s Dairy Festival in Downtown Eatonton. (Putnam County Stone’s Facebook page)

Putnam County Stone requests application withdrawal

Ian Tocher
Thursday, June 11, 2026
Body Wisconsin-based Putnam County Stone has formally requested to withdraw its...
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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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

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. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Crooked D Creamery scoops up success in Eatonton

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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