Long County Clerk of Court Frank Middleton recently announced that the Long County State Court, as of Jan. 19, will convene at 9 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month.

Middleton said State Court Judge Jeff Arnold recently signed an order changing the date and time of the court from 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month to the new day and time.

Arnold was appointed in July by Gov. Sonny Perdue to replace the late Judge Richard Phillips who died in February.

According to Middleton, the cases handled in state court usually are misdemeanor cases such as traffic violations and occasional civil cases that seek limited damages.

"I feel that this change will not affect the service to the citizens of our county and, if anything, it will allow us to serve them even better," Middleton said.

He also said there will be a ceremony Jan. 19 at the courthouse to unveil a painting of Phillips, which will hang in the courtroom.

"Judge Phillips presided over the Long County State Court for over 45 years and served with great distinction. We are honoring him by placing this painting in the courtroom and we’re inviting all to attend," Middleton said.

Phillips, who began practicing law in 1962, was a lifelong resident of Long County. He also served as president of the Atlantic Judicial Bar Association, and at the time of his death was serving as the attorney for the city of Ludowici and the Long County Board of Education. Phillips served as Long County State Court judge since 1964 until his death.

Middleton said the brief ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. and state court will immediately follow.