Lake Oconee News e-Edition
An out-of-control fire on Oct. 11 razed the building that housed the Esse Restaurant and clubhouse for Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Landing development. CONTRIBUTED

An out-of-control fire on Oct. 11 razed the building that housed the Esse Restaurant and clubhouse for Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Landing development. CONTRIBUTED

Fire destroys Landing clubhouse, restaurant

T. Michael Stone
A fire energized by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Isaias destroyed the ESSE Restaurant and clubhouse building in the Landing development of Reynolds Lake Oconee on the evening of Oct. 11. The building was a total loss.According to Greene County Fire and Rescue, Engine 9 was…
Georgia-Pacific donates water tank to Shady Dale

Georgia-Pacific donates water tank to Shady Dale

Georgia-Pacific donates water tank to Shady Dale

News Staff
Georgia-Pacific has donated a new 50,000-gallon water tank from a GP former operating facility to the town of Shady Dale, helping address a longstanding need for additional municipal water storage.For decades, Shady Dale has relied on a single 63,000-gallon tank with no backup storage. Maintenance…
Ribbons of Care tourney benefits cancer research

Ribbons of Care tourney benefits cancer research

Ribbons of Care tourney benefits cancer research

Story And Photo By Leigh Lofgren
The 16th edition of the Ribbons of Care Golf Tournament took place Oct. 8 at Harbor Club, where raffle tickets were also sold in the lower level of the club house.Registration began at 8 a.m. and at 9 a.m. everyone gathered in front of the flagpole for announcements and pictures before a shotgun…

CALENDAR

News Staff
GREENESATURDAY, OCT. 17What: Pets with Santa When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: The Stables at Harbor Club, 1050 Polo Cir., Greensboro More Info: Santa will have pictures taken with pets and hear their wishes. $20, all proceeds benefit Lake Oconee Humane Society. Photos by Leigh Lofgren Photography…

CRIME REPORTS

News Staff
Kamece Shawanda Sands, 49, of Madison, was arrested on Oct. 11 on Misdemeanor for criminal trespassing.Edward Vance Tallon, 57, of Madison, was arrested on Oct. 7 for traffic violations including failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, driving in improper lane, and rules for driving on laned…

Tourism in Morgan County generated $70.3 million in visitor spending in 2025

News Staff
Madison Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Inc. (MMCVB) today announced that visitors to Morgan County spent $70.3 million in calendar year 2025, according to newly released data from Tourism Economics and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). This reflects a 7.6…
Fred Barber

Fred Barber

Fred Barber

Loran Smith
When someone leaves this old world, it’s always uplifting to realize his was a life well lived, and I can think of no one who had a more fulfilling life than Fred Barber.Fred was an accomplished, multifaceted person who found a way to excel and enjoy the benefits of his profession while still…
With steady rain falling, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right, black jacket) addresses his team at midfield after a disappointing 30-17 loss last Friday to the visiting Windsor Academy Knights, from Macon.

With steady rain falling, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right, black jacket) addresses his team at midfield after a disappointing 30-17 loss last Friday to the visiting Windsor Academy Knights, from Macon.

Missed opportunities prove costly for Gators

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Gatewood had its chances to take control last Friday night in a rain-soaked Homecoming matchup against Windsor Academy. However, missed scoring opportunities and second-half turnovers proved costly as the Gators fell 30-17 to the visiting Knights from Macon.Gatewood struck first with a touchdown…
Morgan County junior setter Graycen Cawthon was listed among allregion honors as part of the GHSA 3A Region 2 first team.

Morgan County junior setter Graycen Cawthon was listed among allregion honors as part of the GHSA 3A Region 2 first team.

Spike Dogs rack up region honors ahead of postseason

Skyla Morris
After competing in the area tournament Oct. 6-8, the Morgan County Spike Dogs (23-17) ended the regular season as 3A Region 2 champions. With another region title under their belt, the back-to-back defending state champions are looking ahead, hoping for another deep playoff run.Following the recent…
The Bostwick Veterans Plaza was completed in July, shortly before America’s 250th anniversary. The American Legion Post 37 will celebrate the finished project in an Oct. 26 ceremony. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

The Bostwick Veterans Plaza was completed in July, shortly before America’s 250th anniversary. The American Legion Post 37 will celebrate the finished project in an Oct. 26 ceremony. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Ceremony planned for finished Bostwick Veterans Plaza

Skyla Morris
After more than a decade of work, on July 2 the City of Bostwick finalized its Bostwick Veterans Plaza. The project was designed as a memorial for 109 soldiers from Morgan County who were killed in action in various wars throughout U.S. history.On Oct. 26, American Legion Post 37 will hold a…
Michael Ludwick

Michael Ludwick

Two arrested for murder near Rooty Creek

Lynn Hobbs
A man was killed at Rooty Creek Friday and two men are in Putnam County jail facing murder charges in connection with his death.Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills identified the victim as 19-year-old Zachary Brandon Smith. Sills said Smith was living in Milledgeville, but the address on his driver…
Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III presents Dick Yarbrough with the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize. Bo Underwood/MDJ/Special

Marietta Daily Journal Publisher Otis Brumby III presents Dick Yarbrough with the Carmage Walls Commentary Prize. Bo Underwood/MDJ/Special

Yarbrough wins national award

Bo Underwood
Thursday, October 15, 2026
A longtime voice in Lake Country received a national honor last week for distinct writing that has...
The Bostwick Veterans Plaza was completed in July, shortly before America’s 250th anniversary. The American Legion Post 37 will celebrate the finished project in an Oct. 26 ceremony. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

The Bostwick Veterans Plaza was completed in July, shortly before America’s 250th anniversary. The American Legion Post 37 will celebrate the finished project in an Oct. 26 ceremony. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Ceremony planned for finished Bostwick Veterans Plaza

Skyla Morris
Thursday, October 15, 2026
After more than a decade of work, on July 2 the City of Bostwick finalized its Bostwick Veterans...
With steady rain falling, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right, black jacket) addresses his team at midfield after a disappointing 30-17 loss last Friday to the visiting Windsor Academy Knights, from Macon.

With steady rain falling, Gatewood head coach Jeff Ratliff (right, black jacket) addresses his team at midfield after a disappointing 30-17 loss last Friday to the visiting Windsor Academy Knights, from Macon.

Missed opportunities prove costly for Gators

Story And Photo By Ian Tocher
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Gatewood had its chances to take control last Friday night in a rain-soaked Homecoming matchup...
An out-of-control fire on Oct. 11 razed the building that housed the Esse Restaurant and clubhouse for Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Landing development. CONTRIBUTED

An out-of-control fire on Oct. 11 razed the building that housed the Esse Restaurant and clubhouse for Reynolds Lake Oconee’s Landing development. CONTRIBUTED

Fire destroys Landing clubhouse, restaurant

Thursday, October 15, 2026

A fire energized by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Isaias destroyed the ESSE Restaurant and clubhouse building in the Landing development of Reynolds Lake Oconee on the evening of Oct. 11.

News 

CRIME REPORTS

News Staff
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Kamece Shawanda Sands, 49, of Madison, was arrested on Oct. 11 on Misdemeanor for criminal...
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Sports 

Fred Barber

Fred Barber

Fred Barber

Loran Smith
Thursday, October 15, 2026
When someone leaves this old world, it’s always uplifting to realize his was a life well lived, and...
Wideout Elijah Kelly is able to reach out and pull in a pass from quarterback Caleb Reeves in the rain last Friday night against the Glenn Hill Spartans. BRANDON PARK/Staff

Wideout Elijah Kelly is able to reach out and pull in a pass from quarterback Caleb Reeves in the rain last Friday night against the Glenn Hill Spartans. BRANDON PARK/Staff

Putnam pounds Glenn Hills, prepares for Monticello

Brandon Park
Thursday, October 15, 2026
It took just one snap for the War Eagles to jump on top of Glenn Hills last Friday night.
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Community 

CALENDAR

News Staff
Thursday, October 15, 2026
GREENE SATURDAY, OCT. 17 What: Pets with Santa When: 10 a.m.
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Obituaries 

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

Bonnie Sullivan

News Staff
Thursday, August 13, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share that Bonnie Sullivan (Hankins) of Greensboro passed away...
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