About The Eatonton messenger. (Eatonton, Ga.) 18??-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 28, 2025)
OUSLY SINCE 1861 G THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2025 »SEE PAGE B2 $100 JACKPOT PRIZE FOR PERFECT , BALLOTIN/ FOOTBALL V CONTEST Two arrested in investigation of burglaries, thefts, counterfeits Lynn Hobbs lynn@msgrnews.com A four-month rash of burglaries, mail thefts, identity fraud, and shoplifting reportedly came to an end last week with the arrest of two men Joey Lee Mayfield Brandon Keith Blocker in Putnam County. And although many arrests are made without incident, these two were anything but, according to Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills. As of The Eatonton Messenger’s press time Tuesday, two men had been arrested and Sills said he intends to arrest at least one more person in the case. Joey Lee Mayfield, 60, of Bluegill Road, Eatonton, was arrested Aug. 18, at 5:40 p.m. on the following charges: three counts burglary 1st degree (felony), impersonating a law enforcement officer (felony), possession of metham phetamine with intent to distribute (felony), willful obstruction of law enforcement officer (felony), two counts theft by taking (misde meanor), one count loitering, and theft by shoplifting first degree — Baldwin County warrant. Brandon Keith Blocker, 29, whose address is on Pine Bluff Drive in Ivey, but he was living on Bluegill with Mayfield at the time, also was arrested Aug. 18 around 5:30 p.m. Blocker faces charges including three counts burglary 1st degree (felony), one count loitering (misdemeanor), one count theft by taking (misde meanor), one count probation viola tion — Baldwin County warrant. Long rap sheets Currently on probation in Carroll, Douglas, and Cherokee counties simultaneously, Mayfield has 45 prior arrests in Georgia and Florida LYNN HOBBS/Staff Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills' facial expression doesn't hide his feelings on this holstered BB gun pistol and altered law enforcement badge used in several crimes in and MORE ARRESTS>> A3 around Putnam County. balin’ IAN TOCHER/Staff With rain falling steadily, the Putnam County War Eagles, led by quarterback Ethan Whatley (12), slogged through a 46-14 loss to Morgan County on Saturday night in Madisoi I. SEE COVERAGE IN SPORTS » PAGE B1 BOC approves Twin Bridges cell tower Ian Tocher ian@msgrnews.com During its Aug. 19 meeting, the Putnam County Commission heard of plans to construct a 255-foot cell tower to improve cellular service and broadband access for rural residents near the west end of Lake Sinclair. Following Putnam County Director of Planning and Devel opment Lisa Jackson’s approval of the project, the commission voted unanimously to grant the request. The construction permit request was submitted by Bailey Lively on behalf of APC Towers and prop erty owner Brenda Napier at 671 Twin Bridges Rd. Lively sought conditional use of a parcel currently zoned agricultural, but which allows for the construction of towers with commission approval. The tower is being built for T-Mobile, but AT&T as well as Verizon networks are expected to be included once it’s constructed. It MORE TOWER » A6 GWM to host Smithsonian ‘Voices and Votes’ exhibit Ian Tocher ian@msgmews.com The Georgia Writers Museum (GWM), in partnership with the Old School History Museum and The Artisans Village, will host a nationally touring Smithsonian Institution exhibit next spring exploring American democracy. The exhibit, “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America,” will arrive April 20 and remain through May 31, making Eatonton the first stop in a statewide celebration tied to America 250, the upcoming semiquincentennial, otherwise known as the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. “This is a big deal for our town, our community, and our museum partners,” said GWM Director Melissa Swin dell, who began her museums career at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. “The Smith sonian didn’t take a chance on something. They feel confident bringing it here,” she added in a brief talk last Tuesday before an Eatonton-Putnam Tourism, Arts, and Heritage (EPTAH) committee meeting. The “Voices and Votes” exhibit is part of the Smithsonian’s MORE EXHIBIT » A2 0 94922 87854 WEATHER 83 Thursday 63 W Mostly HIGH Cloudy LOW Detailed forecast / B4 For breaking news or to subscribe, visit |www.msgmews.com] or call 706-485-3501 SMITH COMMUNICATIONS1 Newspapers • Magazines • Printing Dawgs prepare for season opener » PAGE B2 Good to see Putnam County whoop up on the Greene County Tigers at home for the season opener, but tough to see a 46-14 loss to Morgan DIrTNAM County Bulldogs in a driving 1LOVE rain on Friday night. Greene, R Morgan, and Monticello were the I 0 JL 0 teams we all wanted to beat back in the day. Zeke says he's not sure where college football is headed. College Athletics Departments revenue grew 211% from 2005 to 2023 with coaches' salaries INSIDE THIS WEEK Classifieds D1 Public Record A7 Community C1 Opinions A4 Crossword Puzzle C5 Obituaries A6 Legal Notices D3 Sports B1 LAKE OCONEE DENTISTRY Dr David Bradley Dr. Patti Bradley & Associates OCALLY OWNED & OPERATE SINCE 19 LAKE OCONEE’S DENTIST growing about 400% in the same time frame. Looks like college athletic directors will have to find more ways to create more revenue. George thinks it's all gotten out of hand and will ruin the sport. Paying big bucks to players and the transfer portal have changed the good ol' days of recruiting players. Where it may be good for players it puts too much emphasis on money. Roger says that's why Nick Saban left coaching. Shame to t see America's top sport killing itself. On • the other hand, good to see cooler N CA weather on the way. 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