Lake Oconee News e-Edition
A record crowd packed Sanford Stadium on Aug. 20 to watch Georgia women’s soccer against James Madison, setting a new NCAA attendance record. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

A record crowd packed Sanford Stadium on Aug. 20 to watch Georgia women’s soccer against James Madison, setting a new NCAA attendance record. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Soccer in Sanford: Bulldogs set new Division I attendance record

Skyla Morris
The University of Georgia women’s soccer team made history by hosting James Madison University on Aug. 20 on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium. The Dawgs defeated the Dukes 6-0 and broke the NCAA Division I attendance records for both men’s and women’s regular-season soccer games.The Thursday…
Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators grounded by Briarwood, fall to 0-2 on season

Ian Tocher
Gatewood’s early struggles continued last Friday night in Warrenton, as the Gators dropped a 26-8 decision to Briarwood Academy, falling to 0-2 this season.The loss came against a Briarwood squad that entered the game considerably higher in MaxPreps’ GIAA Georgia rankings.Gatewood head coach Jeff…
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…
David Crawley was named Greene County’s county manager last year to replace longtime manager Byron Lombard. CONTRIBUTED

David Crawley was named Greene County’s county manager last year to replace longtime manager Byron Lombard. CONTRIBUTED

New Greene County manager to address rapid growth

Maureen Stratton
Greene County Manager David Crawley considers managing local growth an important initiative for one of the state’s burgeoning regions.Byron Lombard retired last year after 25 years as Greene County manager, with Crawley stepping into the position. Lombard now serves as interim county manager in…
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

GDOT to implement Hwy. 44 bridge widening

T. Michael Stone
The Georgia Department of Transportation will conduct work on the Highway 44 bridge over I-20 in Greensboro on Aug. 28 and again from Sept. 1-3.A traffic shift is scheduled for Aug. 28 as part of the Phase 1 widening project. The shift will allow the contractor to begin widening the bridge…
Ronda Rich/Columnist

Ronda Rich/Columnist

Rich: The unseen power

Ronda Rich
Some will stop reading now. Some will realize they need to hear this.Some will know it works.A friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer about 18 months ago.“Six months, maybe,” the doctor said. “But we can try aggressive treatment. We might be able to push it to a year.”She, of course,…
The Swingin’ Medallions will bring their signature Southern sound to The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton on Sept. 19. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

The Swingin’ Medallions will bring their signature Southern sound to The Plaza Arts Center in Eatonton on Sept. 19. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS

A Night of Timeless Sound: The Swingin’ Medallions to light up Eatonton

News Staff
As summer begins to soften into fall, the rhythms of the South will come alive in Eatonton when a band that has defined generations of good times takes the stage.The Plaza Arts Center will host an outdoor concert Sept. 19 featuring the legendary Swingin’ Medallions. The evening promises music,…
Morgan County commissioners approved a $7.75 million Motorola P25 public safety radio system in a 3-2 vote Aug. 18. The new system is designed to improve communication among the county’s emergency response agencies. CONTRIBUTED

Morgan County commissioners approved a $7.75 million Motorola P25 public safety radio system in a 3-2 vote Aug. 18. The new system is designed to improve communication among the county’s emergency response agencies. CONTRIBUTED

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County approves agreement for areawide radio system upgrade

Skyla Morris
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Body The Morgan County Board of Commissioners met Aug.
A record crowd packed Sanford Stadium on Aug. 20 to watch Georgia women’s soccer against James Madison, setting a new NCAA attendance record. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

A record crowd packed Sanford Stadium on Aug. 20 to watch Georgia women’s soccer against James Madison, setting a new NCAA attendance record. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

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Soccer in Sanford: Bulldogs set new Division I attendance record

Thursday, August 27, 2026

The University of Georgia women’s soccer team made history by hosting James Madison University on Aug. 20 on Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium. The Dawgs defeated the Dukes 6-0 and broke the NCAA Division I attendance records for both men’s and women’s regular-season soccer games.

News 

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Sports 

Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gatewood junior running back and linebacker Brady Haley has been one of the Gators’ most dependable players through the first two games of the season, contributing on both sides of the ball. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Gators grounded by Briarwood, fall to 0-2 on season

Ian Tocher
Friday, August 28, 2026
Body Gatewood’s early struggles continued last Friday night in Warrenton, as the...
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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