News

Commission Denies Special Use Permit

By
●
News
●
February 19, 2026

The Meriwether County Commission denied a request for a special use permit at their February 9 meeting. James Flournoy had requested the permit for property at 140 Sheri Lynn Lane to allow recreational vehicles for three lots at his manufactured home park. The request was in a public hearing which had been continued from the January 27 meeting. Flournoy did not attend the Commission meeting, at which it was pointed out that he had been offered three manufactured homes to be placed on the property. Following discussion on the request, the Commissioners voted to deny it.

Latest in News
Residents Applaud Hogansville Moratorium on Data Centers
By
●
News
●
February 12, 2026

The February 2, 2026, Hogansville City Council meeting, with Mayor Pro Tem Mandy Neese once again filling in for absent Mayor Jake Ayers,  began with unanimous approval of the consent agenda. Customer Service Manager over Utilities, Ameia Williams, presented Meter Technician Titus Roberson with a five- year anniversary award for his employment with the city. She spoke of his dedication and hard work over that time in serving the citizens of Hogansville.

Greenville Council Votes to Hold Interviews for City Attorney Candidates
By
●
News
●
February 12, 2026

The Greenville City Council voted at its February 3 meeting to open a fair pool for city attorney candidates with a thirty to forty-five day window. Mayor Josephine Mahone-Stargell and Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Bray will conduct the interviews. The Council acknowledged that the city charter does not prohibit the mayor from interviewing, but the mayor may not appoint the city attorney. The Council passed a motion to table for hiring, continuing the discussion to the scheduled work session on June 3. There will be recommendation for an open recruitment. The proposed application window is 30-45 days with the city incorporating and following Georgia Municipal Association guidelines. Current candidates can reapply.

Meriwether Superior Court Sees Postponement of Cases
By
●
News
●
February 12, 2026

The murder cases of Brandon Smith and Jordan Alvin Simon were rescheduled during Meriwether Superior Court on Monday. Among the cases on the calendar was Qua’vion Cooper, a former Manchester High football standout. Cooper is charged with malice murder in the death of Brandon Smith, also a Manchester High football player. Smith was shot and killed on Dec. 7, 2023 and found on Dec. 10 near his home on Third Avenue in Manchester.

Commissioners Say No To Two-Acre Lot Hearing
By
●
News
●
February 5, 2026

The Meriwether County Commission decided at their January 27 meeting not to move forward with a public hearing regarding a proposed ordinance regarding two-acre residential lots. The item had been discussed at the November 25, 2025 meeting. Staff had recommended holding a public hearing on March 24, 2026, allowing time for ordinance revisions, legal review, and required public notice. The Commissioners discussed public concerns raised about reducing minimum lot sizes, especially on dirt roads. Two-acre lots are already permitted on paved roads, and the Commissioners noted that the original intent was to address limited, family-based situations rather than broader development.

Harris County High Baseball Coach Dies in ATV Accident
By
●
News
●
February 5, 2026

A January 24 ATV accident in Hamilton has claimed the life of the Harris County High School baseball coach. According to Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley, Tony Dimitri, 47, head baseball coach at the high school, died Saturday evening after being involved in a side-by-side ATV accident on private property. Harris County Coroner Joe Weldon said Dimitri was riding as a passenger in the side-by-side when the crash took place between 6 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, in Hamilton, on private property off Mulberry Creek Road.

Former State Rep. Phillips Dead at 85
By
●
News
●
January 29, 2026

Former State Representative Watson Randolph Phillips, commonly known as Randy Phillips, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 17 at his residence. Phillips was born on Mar. 29, 1940 in Shiloh, the son of Thomas Watson Phillips and Ruth Chapman Phillips. He was a lifelong resident of Shiloh and a member of Old Shiloh Baptist Church. He graduated from Harris County High School in 1959 and earned a degree from West Georgia College. Phillips served as a state representative in the Georgia State Legislature from 1968 until 1988. Phillips was known in the area for his hard work and always fighting for what was in the best interest of the people who elected him.

Hogansville Council Meets, Discusses Development
By
●
News
●
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.

Super Museum Sunday at Little White House Feb. 8
By
●
News
●
January 29, 2026

Meriwether County has amazing history, and that history will be on display free of charge during Super Museum Sunday in Warm Springs. Super Museum Sunday is an annual event sponsored by the Georgia Historical Society. Museums all over the state participate by offering hours of free admission one day each year in conjunction with the Georgia History Festival. The Little White House Historic Site will offer free admission all day on Sunday, February 8, from 9 am to 4:45 pm. A special program entitled “Films from the Archives” will also be available several times during the day showcasing old site films and the current site film with history about each production.

Commissioners Name Collins Chairman
By
●
News
●
January 22, 2026

At their first meeting of 2026, the Meriwether County Commission elected Emmett Collins as Chairman for the upcoming year. Collins had served as vice-chairman in 2025. Commissioner Jennifer Snelson was named Vice-Chair for 2026. Also appointed by the Commissioners were John Gorton as County Administrator; Allyson Stephens as County Clerk; Hailee Parmer as Deputy County Clerk; and the law firm of Glover and Davis as County Attorney.