Jack Bagley, Author at The Star Mercury Vindicator

Saturday is Valentine’s Day, a day for those who are in love to demonstrate that love - mostly by purchasing cards, flowers, candy, and other gifts to shower upon those they deem worthy. Phooey. Valentine’s Day has never been all that great for me. Remember back in elementary school, how all the kids in the class would bring Valentine’s cards to give to everyone else? I did that, and I always had more than enough.

Hogansville Council Meets, Discusses Development

By Jack Bagley

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News

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January 29, 2026

The Hogansville City Council held their second meeting of the new year on Tuesday, January 20, because of the holiday on Monday the19th. Mayor Pro-Tem Mandy Neese filled in for the absent Mayor Jake Ayers. After approval of the consent agenda, City Attorney Alex Dixon swore in Michael Taylor, Jr. and Jason Baswell who were reelected to their council seats in November.

Commissioners Table Proposed Amendments to Alcohol Ordinance

By Jack Bagley

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News

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January 8, 2026

At their last regular meeting for 2025, the Meriwether County Commission voted to table amendments to the county’s alcohol ordinance. During a public hearing for discussion on the changes, which were read out by County Clerk Allyson Stephens, some ambiguities were noted in reference to the suspension of alcohol licenses. One item concerned altercations at places that sell alcohol which involve patrons and employees and which, under the currently revised amendment, could result in the licensee having the alcohol license suspended for 30 days pending possible revocation. Commissioner Gene King said he could see a scenario where such an incident involving people with no connection to the business would cause the business to lose its license. Stephens said the wording was subject to change or review by the Commissioners, and the intent in this case was regarding the failure of the licensee or owner to act on the altercation taking place. King said the owner’s business should not be jeopardized because someone came to the business and caused an altercation.