The Lowndes County Commission approved routine administrative items and heard a lengthy county manager report on upcoming community events.

The commission adopted the 2026 holiday schedule, which staff said mirrored 2025 with 10 observed holidays totaling 12 working days. "These are the same holidays as in 2025," Mister Beals said, and commissioners voted to approve the schedule.

Commissioners also adopted the 2026 meeting calendar; Miss Dukes said the commission is required by law to approve and publicize a calendar prior to the start of each year.

Two appointments were tabled for the December meeting: consideration of candidates for the (transcribed) "Greater Lounge Planning Commission" (seat formerly held by Tommy Willis) and the Lowndes County Library Board vacancy left by Catherine Ammons (unexpired term through 06/30/2026). Candidates who expressed interest included John McCall for the planning commission and Kendall Crawford, Dean Polling and Gary Weisenbaker for the library board; commissioners voted to table both items until the first meeting in December.

County Manager Miss Dukes delivered a report highlighting bicentennial activities: a camellia dedication at the historic courthouse at 4:30 p.m. the next day; a multi-location river cleanup (noted as serving MPDES permitting requirements); a Girls on the Run 5K and associated downtown block party; a comp plan steering committee meeting at 6 p.m.; a Shop Small proclamation event; and a tree lighting scheduled for Nov. 28 as part of bicentennial celebrations. Miss Dukes praised staff coordination and asked that calendars be circulated to commissioners so they can identify conflicts.

Commissioners also noted ongoing community service efforts including an electronics drive in partnership with the city and Second Harvest emergency food distributions, and they offered a brief update about Joyce Evans's recovery. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.