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The Star-Mercury-Vindicator is a community newspaper that connects you to all the stories of Meriwether County. We’re part of The Georgia Trust for Local News.

Newsroom's Latest Articles

Arrest Made in Deadly Pine Mountain House Fire
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July 3, 2025

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has filed charges of murder, aggravated battery and aggravated assault against a Pine Mountain man in connection with the death of a woman in a June 13 house fire in Pine Mountain. On June 13, Pine Mountain Firefighters were called to a residence in the 400 block of East Harris Street. Following the fire being extinguished, the body of Bridgett Powell, 54, was found inside the burned-out home. Firefighters called Pine Mountain Police to the scene, and on arrival they discovered Elohim Hill, 19, outside the home. Hill was initially arrested on a charge of concealing the death of another person in the incident.

WSMC, Nursing Home Win Big
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July 3, 2025

On March 25, 2025, the Warm Springs Medical Center Nursing Home underwent its annual state licensure survey with eight state surveyors arriving on site. Surveyors were on site for a total of three days to review the facility’s compliance in key areas such as Infection Control and Prevention, Quality Measures, Staffing, and Overall Quality of the facility. On May 11, 2025, the Warm Springs Nursing Home received their official letter confirming the facility was in full compliance with Medicare & Medicaid Conditions of Participation. Warm Springs Medical Center Nursing Home has an overall quality star rating of 4 out of 5. The Nursing Home operates under the leadership of Bryan Saylor, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Cynthia Walker, Director of Nurses under the direction of Karen Daniel, Chief Executive Officer.

Did a game show host almost miss the network debut of his show?
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July 3, 2025

Happy Birthday to the good old USA! Friday of this week, our glorious nation celebrates its 249th birthday.  Well, not exactly a birthday, more of an anniversary - the marking of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which is pretty much accepted in the history books as the birthday of our country. We still had a war to fight and win, and then there was the establishment of our form of government, then growth, expansion, and … whatever it is we have here today. So happy birthday to the USA, and happy trivia to you! Enjoy this week’s selection, friends.

Do We Take for Granted the Freedoms We Have?
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July 3, 2025

Tomorrow, we will celebrate the independence of our nation from Great Britain. I wonder sometimes if we, as Americans, fully appreciate all the blessings we have. While we live in a nation that is not perfect by any means, if we put politics and our grievances aside, when needed we as Americans ban together for a common goal and always find a way to reach the goal. This July 4th, if we put politics, national issues and our hate aside and take time to think about the blessings we have, it could truly make us appreciate the nation that we live in. Freedom in our nation did not come by happenstance. Many Americans have sacrificed, fought and died to preserve that freedom. It is a blessing to live in a country where men and women are willing to give all they have to preserve our freedom.

Auditor Files Notice to Sue Talbot Sheriff’s Department
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June 26, 2025

A self-described First Amendment auditor has filed a notice of intent to sue with the Talbot County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Bobby Gates, Jr., and Investigator Curt Ousley. Russell Clarence Pickron, 41, of LaGrange, was arrested May 8 at the Talbot County Board of Education after he entered the building and began filming employees while filing a Freedom of Information Act request for his YouTube channel, Georgia Transparency. Employees of the office, disturbed by the filming, called the Sheriff’s Department and Ousley was dispatched to the scene. The investigator interviewed Pickron and members of the school office staff, then arrested Pickron on an initial charge of disorderly conduct.

Did the star of one of the first movies mocking Adolf Hitler have to finance the movie himself because no studio would touch it?
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June 26, 2025

Now that it’s officially summer, what are your plans? Do you intend to use that hard-earned vacation time for a trip to the beach, perhaps? I never go to the beach.  People keep trying to push me back into the water. How about the mountains? Now there’s a great destination for fun. At my age, though, climbing mountains is out.  I have trouble with mole hills. Whatever your plans are for the summer, I do hope they include trivia!  How about a first summer dollop of trivia right now?

A Few Interesting Facts About Independence Day
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June 26, 2025

It’s almost July 4th. A day to celebrate the anniversary of our nation. If there is one thing Americans know how to do well, it’s celebrate, and July 4th is certainly one big celebration with fireworks, parades, cookouts and more. While you are celebrating this year, take a moment to read a few interesting facts about the holiday: • While we celebrate our nation’s independence on July 4, it is important to note that it was on July 2, 1776 when the Continental Congress voted in favor of our nation’s independence from Great Britain. John Adams believed July 2 would be the celebration date and eventually turned down July 4 party invitations because of his belief.

The Star-Mercury-Vindicator unveils website, launches newsletter
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February 19, 2025

The Star-Mercury-Vindicator launched a new website and announced a brand-new digital newsletter Wednesday, delivering dedicated local reporting to a digital audience.