Illegal trash dumping is the improper disposal of waste in locations where it’s not permitted, often in public areas or on private property without the owner’s consent. This includes dumping trash in alleys, dumpsters, vacant lots, or open spaces. Illegal dumping can have negative impacts on the environment, public health, and property values.
To stop littering and illegal dumping, focus on preventing it, educating the public, and implementing effective solutions. This includes increasing trash and recycling bins, providing convenient waste disposal options, and promoting responsible waste management practices around Greene County and in the industrial park.
The Eutaw Chamber of Commerce and other agencies in the county have organized and hosted annual clean up days to promote awareness through education campaigns to educate the public about the negative impacts of littering and the importance of responsible waste disposal and engage residents in litter prevention efforts.
Enforce littering ordinances: In an effort to enforce existing laws against littering and to deter unwanted behavior the Greene County IDA has installed cameras on the property. There are signs warning against illegal dumping. The IDA is working in partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health to enforce fines and imprisonment to deter this behavior.
STATE OF ALABAMA LAW CRIMINAL LITTER Ala. Code 13A-7-29 (1975). The State of Alabama’s law on criminal littering is very clear- anyone who knowingly deposits in any manner litter on any public or private property or in any public or private waters without permission to do so… It goes on to say that litter bearing the name of a person shall constitute a rebuttal presumption that the person whose name appears on the material knowingly deposited the litter.
Criminal littering is a class B misdemeanor. The fine for the first conviction shall be up to $500. The punishment for the second and any subsequent conviction shall include either a fine of up to $1000 and up to 100 hours of community service and the form of picking up literal along highways, roads, streets, public right away, public sidewalks, public walkways, or public waterways or by a fan of not less than $2000 and not more than $3000.
It is the full intent of the Greene County IDA to enforce the state law with the assistance of the Alabama Department of Public Health. For purposes of this article, 3 people have been identified as breaking this law in the Crossroads of America Port and Park. A thorough investigation is underway to determine the person who knowingly dumped food service trash in the industrial park. All three have been contacted by certified first class mail. One person has paid the fine. The other two parties have received a second notice. Their failure to respond to the second notice has forced the IDA to turn this matter over to the legal authorities. Thus their fine will be 10 times more than originally assessed.
L to R: Community Associates Geraldine Walton, Mollie Rowe, Nancy Cole, BBCF President Felecia Lucky, BBCF Founder Carol P. Zippert, BBCF Community Associates Miriam Leftwich, Darlene Robinson and Johnni Strode-Morning.
On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) Greene County Associates held its 20th year celebration lifting community engagements supported by BBCF. Its theme: The Roaring 20’s depicted an era of fashion and a period of extraordinary community work in Greene County.
BBCF President Felecia Lucky shared in the celebratory occasion, saluting the Associates with the statement “Greene County always goes big.” Greetings were also brought by Eutaw Mayor Latosha Johnson and Greene County Commission Chairperson, Garria Spencer, Associates Coordinator Miriam Leftwich, Nancy Cole, Johnni Strode-Morning and Darlene Robinson. Mollie Rowe served as Mistress of Order.
A special recognition was presented to Dr. Carol P. Zippert as a founding member of BBCF. She gave a brief overview of the journey of the foundation.
The Black Belt Community Foundation (BBCF) is celebrating its 20th year of serving 12 counties in the Alabama Black Belt. Each of the 12 counties, including Greene, Sumter, Pickens, Hale, Perry, Marengo, Choctaw, Dallas, Lowndes, Wilcox, Macon and Bullock is hosting a 20th Year celebratory event.
Through community grants and other financial and technical resources, BBCF assists local groups engaged in transformational work to lift its community through arts and culture, education, health and wellness, childcare, civic engagement, youth leadership, and related projects. Each county has a group of volunteers known as Community Associates who are dedicated to educating the community on the vision and mission of BBCF and assist in raising funds, which earn a percentage match by BBCF, to support local projects. Funds raised by Associates in a particular county support grants to groups in that county.
Pictured : Tennyson Smith Jr., Keynote Speaker; Carrie Logan giving Citizens of the Year Award to Danny Cooper
The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual meeting and dinner on March 24, 2025, in the newly renovated street level of the original Greene County Courthouse in downtown Eutaw. The Chamber serves and promotes the business and community improvement organizations in Eutaw and surrounding areas of Greene County. This gave many business and community leaders a chance to see the results of a renovation grant provided by the State of Alabama, to the Greene County Historical Society, for the renovation of the street level of the original Greene County Courthouse. The upstairs level, which was the historic courtroom, still needs to be renovated to complete work to make the old Courthouse into a welcome center, museum and community space. Carrie Logan, Director of the Chamber, gave a welcome. Rev. Julia Lyons gave an invocation, and a catfish dinner was catered from the Southfresh Fish Truck. Teresa Atkins, a former classmate of the keynote speaker, introduced Tennyson Smith Jr., Director of Student and Community Outreach at Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, and a native of Greene County. Tennyson Smith Jr., spoke mostly from his PhD dissertation at the University of West Alabama on access by low-income rural students to higher education. In his talk, Tennyson Smith Jr., urged the Chamber of Commerce members to take more interest in supporting K-12 education in Greene County, to be able to train and retain a skilled workforce in the county. He urged businesses to visit schools, provide internships and mentorships for students ,and to encourage parental involvement in the schools. “We need to make sure our schools are teaching and exposing our low-income rural children to the skills and mindset they will need to pursue a career in the future,” said Smith. Carre Logan reported on the work of the Chamber during the past year, highlighting a mural on Greene County near the Eutaw City Hall, work on the Christmas Parade and other community-wide activities. Logan then presented awards. Danny Cooper, former Alabama Power District Manager, Chair of the Greene County Industrial Development Authority and leader of the Eutaw Garden Club as the Chamber’s “Citizen of the Year”. Judy Jarvis was honored as the Chamber’s “Volunteer of the Year”. Phillis Belcher, Executive Director of the Greene County Industrial Development Authority was recognized as the Chamber’s “Business of the Year”.
Source: VINCENZO PINTO / Getty – Cardinal Peter Turkson,
By Shannon Dawson, Newsone
On April 21, Vatican officials confirmed the death of Pope Francis at the age of 88. According to CNN, the beloved pontiff died from a stroke and heart failure. As tributes pour in from around the world, many are mourning a spiritual giant whose legacy will be felt for generations. But amid the grief, a pivotal question has begun to surface: Who will follow in his legendary footsteps? And more specifically, could the next pope be Black? For centuries, the papacy has been predominantly held by Europeans. Yet, in recent decades, the Church has slowly begun to see figures from around the world step into the coveted position. Pope Francis himself shattered centuries of tradition as the first Latin American—and the first Jesuit—to ascend to the papacy in nearly 1,300 years. Now, as the world looks to the future, the question of representation is once again front and center. Could we be on the brink of witnessing a historic moment, the election of the first Black pope in the modern era? Cardinal Peter Turkson has a strong chance of becoming the first Black pope in centuries.
Cardinal Peter Turkson, a leading frontrunner, would make history as the first African pope in centuries, if elected. According to Newsweek, he currently holds 5:1 odds in betting markets and boasts a strong resume for the role. Turkson previously led the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, where he was outspoken on key global issues including climate change, poverty, and economic justice. Made Archbishop of Cape Coast (Ghana) in 1993, Turkson rose to high ranks in 2003, when he became the first Ghanaian to become a cardinal-priest following an historic appointment from Pope John Paul II, according to The College of Cardinals Report. He has also played a major role in shaping the Vatican’s stance on social justice, environmental issues, and human rights. Retired American Cardinal Wilton D. Gregory of Washington, D. C., was the first Black Cardinal appointed in the United States. Gregory at age 77 is eligible to vote in the upcoming Conclave and could also be selected as Pope. The idea of a Black pope isn’t as far-fetched or unprecedented as it might seem. In fact, history tells us that there have already been three popes of African descent, albeit in the early centuries of Christianity, according to Pope History. These include Pope Victor I (served c. 189–199 AD), Pope Miltiades (served 311–314 AD) and Pope Gelasius I (served 492–496 AD).
Pope Victor I (c. 189–199 AD) Widely recognized as the first African pope, Victor I was born in the Roman province of Africa—likely in present-day Libya or Tunisia. His papacy is best remembered for his decisive leadership during the Quartodeciman controversy, a major dispute over the correct date to celebrate Easter. Victor pushed for the uniform observance of Easter on a Sunday, aligning with Roman tradition and moving away from the practice of celebrating it on the 14th of Nisan, a date based on the Jewish calendar. Though his firm stance drew criticism from some Eastern bishops, it established a precedent for liturgical unity in the Church, according to Pope History. Pope Miltiades (311–314 AD) Born in Africa, Pope Miltiades led the Church during a pivotal transition in its history. His papacy began just as the Roman Empire was easing its persecution of Christians. In 311 AD, Emperor Galerius issued the Edict of Toleration, ending the systematic oppression of Christians and allowing them to worship freely. Miltiades was instrumental in helping the Church navigate this newfound freedom. His diplomatic skills and steady leadership laid the groundwork for Christianity’s emergence from the shadows and into the public square as a legally recognized faith. Pope St. Gelasius I (492–496 AD) Considered one of the most prolific papal writers of the Church’s early centuries, Pope St. Gelasius I was born in North Africa during the twilight years of the Western Roman Empire, just before its fall to the Vandals. Despite the political chaos of the time, Gelasius powerfully asserted the primacy of the Bishop of Rome over the other major patriarchates of Christendom—Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria. His most enduring legacy lies in his articulation of the doctrine of the “Two Powers”—spiritual and temporal—establishing the pope’s supremacy in spiritual matters. This vision of papal authority would influence Church-state relations for the next thousand years. Could It Happen? So, could there be a Black pope in the future? Yes, it absolutely could happen. There is no doctrinal or institutional rule preventing a Black man from becoming pope. The increasing diversity of the College of Cardinals and the Church’s growing inclusivity make it a very real possibility in the coming decades.
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
A new national survey from the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School finds young Americans facing financial uncertainty, deteriorating mental health, and a growing lack of trust in institutions. The 50th edition of the Harvard Youth Poll offers a comprehensive look at the attitudes of Americans aged 18 to 29—particularly young Black individuals—who feel increasingly left out of national conversations and underserved by political leadership.
Conducted March 14–25, 2025, the poll surveyed 2,096 respondents across the country. More than four in 10 say they are “barely getting by” financially. Young Black Americans continue to face deep financial stress, with 45% reporting hardship. Many express concern about limited opportunities, stagnant wages, and the rising cost of education and housing. Among those struggling, 51% believe President Trump’s policies will worsen their finances in the coming years.
Only 15% of all respondents say the country is headed in the right direction. Just 16% report doing well financially, while economic hardship is more severe for women, young Hispanics, and those without a college degree. Nearly half of young women (47%) report limited financial security, while 52% of young Hispanics say they are struggling or just getting by. Half of respondents without a degree report hardship, compared to 29% of college graduates. Approval ratings among young Americans continue to decline. President Trump’s approval stands at 31%, virtually unchanged from earlier years. Approval of Democrats in Congress has dropped to 23%, down from 42% in 2017. Congressional Republicans remain essentially unchanged at 29%. Among young Black Americans, Trump’s approval has risen to 16%—up from just 6% in 2017—but a strong majority still disapprove. Social connection has also weakened. Only 17% of young people report feeling deeply connected to any community, and 18% say they feel no strong sense of belonging. For Black youth, the sense of isolation intersects with political disengagement and mental health struggles. Those without strong community ties are more likely to report symptoms of depression, with 59% saying they felt down or hopeless for several days in the past two weeks. The long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain evident. Isolation during formative years—especially among those who were entering high school or college in 2020—continues to shape mental health outcomes. Individuals aged 19 and 23 report the highest levels of lasting social isolation, with 38% and 40%, respectively, saying they lost connection with friends and have not reestablished those relationships. Among those who lost friendships and failed to reconnect, 55% reported depressive symptoms. Views on traditional life milestones are shifting. Just 48% say having children is important, and 57% say the same about getting married. While 86% say financial security is a top goal, only 56% are confident they’ll achieve it. Confidence in reaching life goals is higher among Republicans, who are more likely than Democrats to say marriage, children, and homeownership are important—and achievable. Distrust in major institutions is widespread. Only 19% of young Americans trust the federal government to do the right thing most or all of the time. Trust in Congress stands at 18%, the presidency at 23%, and the Supreme Court at 29%. The survey also found that young Black Americans are more likely to say they feel excluded from decisions that affect their lives and communities. The debate over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) remains divisive. Just 9% of young Americans say DEI initiatives have helped them personally, while 11% say they have been harmed. Among Democrats, 22% report positive experiences with DEI, compared to only 3% of Republicans. Conversely, 21% of young Republicans believe DEI harmed them. Young people of color are more likely than white youth to view DEI as promoting fairness. Foreign policy views also reveal generational differences. Young Republicans are less likely to support global alliances than Democrats. Only 13% of young Republicans say the U.S. should maintain current NATO obligations, compared to 46% of Democrats. When asked about reasons for U.S. involvement abroad, respondents most often cited protecting allies, defending national security, and addressing human rights violations—but fewer than one in five supported interventions to promote democracy or counter foreign influence. Concerns about immigration have shifted over the past year. Forty-two percent of young Americans now say there is a crisis at the Southern border—down from 53% in 2024. Among Democrats, belief in a border crisis dropped 17 points, from 43% to 26%. Democratic respondents are also more likely to say that recent immigration has done more good than harm. President Trump’s policy proposals continue to meet resistance among young Americans. None of the eight tested initiatives—ranging from tariffs to eliminating federal departments—received majority support. Tariffs were backed by just 19% overall, and only 5% of Democrats. A proposal to create a Department of Government Efficiency received 35% support, the highest among those tested. One of the least supported policies—redeveloping Gaza by displacing Palestinians—was opposed by a majority, including 77% of Democrats. “These findings are a stark reality check,” said Setti Warren, director of the Institute of Politics. “And leaders across the country would be wise to pay close attention.” “This is a generation that’s weathered pandemic isolation during formative years, entered an unstable economy, and faced skyrocketing housing and education costs—all while being told they’re not resilient enough,” said John Della Volpe, director of polling at the Institute of Politics. “What Gen Z needs isn’t another lecture, but genuine recognition of their struggles and leaders willing to listen before they speak.” “Amid financial hardship and a devastating crisis of community, young Americans are increasingly disillusioned with the world as they struggle to find their place in it,” said Jordan Schwartz, student chair of the Harvard Public Opinion Project. “This generation doesn’t expect politics to solve their problems, but as young Americans continue to lose faith in government institutions, the need for politicians to listen to and learn from young people has never been greater.”
By Lauren Burke and Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Reporters
Sen. Booker and Leader Jeffries conduct sit-in on steps of U. S. Capitol in Washington, D. C. In a show of solidarity against the congressional Republicans and the Trump Administration, dozens of congressional Democratic members of Congress gathered on the steps of the U.S. House of Representatives from sunrise to sunset Sunday, April 27 to speak out against budget cuts. “The budget is a moral document,” said New Jersey Senator Cory Booker as he sat wearing a black shirt and pants next to the Democratic leader in the U.S. House, Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries. The two started with only Senator Chris Coons of Delaware at 7:30 am on Sunday. As the day moved forward many other members, advocates, and curious onlookers joined them in support of their effort to bring attention to what may be a historic budget in terms of cuts to social programs. Throughout the day, lawmakers took turns sharing personal stories and reading testimonies from constituents whose lives have been transformed by government assistance. But since Trump took office for his second term in January, his focus has been on cutting the federal government and the jobs and programs associated that assist millions of Americans. “I was on the steps of the Capitol with Leader Jeffries, Sen. Booker, and many others to make the case for what’s at stake with Trump’s budget. Medicaid, food assistance, and social security. It’s all on the line. A moral moment” wrote Senator Amy Klobuchar, who may lead the Democrats as the next Leader of the Party in the U.S. Senate after the criticism of the leadership of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and the retirement announcement of Senator Dick Durbin on April 23. Jeffries warned that the proposed cuts would devastate seniors, families, and vulnerable communities. “Republicans are crashing the economy in real-time,” he said. “Now, they want to jam a reckless budget down the throats of the American people that will end Medicaid as we know it, destroy Social Security, and rip food from the mouths of children, seniors, and veterans. As Democrats, we’re going to continue to stand on the side of the American people and we will not rest until we bury this reckless Republican budget in the ground.” Throughout the day, figures such as American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, civil rights attorney Maya Wiley, Rev. William Barber II, and others joined the sit-in. Senators Chris Coons, Raphael Warnock, Angela Alsobrooks, Lisa Blunt Rochester, and Representatives Emanuel Cleaver, Sarah McBride, Mark Takano, Tom Suozzi, Sydney Kamlager-Dove, Steven Horsford, Suhas Subramanyam, Emily Randall, Sarah Elfreth, and Delegate Stacey Plaskett also participated. Wiley shared personal stories of Americans who would suffer under the proposed cuts. “The cuts, when we’re talking about cuts, people bleed and we should put names behind them,” Wiley said. “You know, Sarah in South Dakota had a son who had seizures one to five times a day and had to quit her job to try to save her son. It is Medicaid that helps pay for her health care to do that. Or Jasmine in Alabama, in Tuscaloosa, with two kids, who was taking care of other people’s children when she fell and became disabled, and it’s Medicaid that was taking care of her.” Booker said Democrats must move beyond “business as usual” and find new ways to confront injustice. “We can’t keep doing things like business as usual,” he said. “Speaking out and speaking up is how we will convince at least four Republicans in the House and Senate to do the right thing and vote no.”.
By Stacy M. Brown BlackPressUSA.com Senior National Correspondent
National Newspaper Publishers Association President & CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. delivered a forceful address during the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent, calling on global leaders to confront algorithmic discrimination, reject media-driven imperialism, and fully recognize the crimes of slavery through official reparatory justice. Representing the Black Press of America and media led by people of African descent around the world, Chavis condemned what he called “digital racism” — the growing presence of racial bias embedded in artificial intelligence and across digital platforms. He said the same systems that once commodified Black bodies are now being used to control and misrepresent Black voices in the digital space. “We, therefore, call on this distinguished gathering of leaders and experts to challenge member states to cite and to prevent the institutionalization of racism in all forms of media, including social media, AI, and any form of digital bias and algorithmic discrimination,” Chavis stated. This year’s forum theme, “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of artificial intelligence,” guided a week of sessions and events hosted by the U.N. and its agencies. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) participated in multiple discussions centered on justice, recognition, and development, with Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem delivering remarks at the session’s opening.
Chavis, a veteran civil rights leader and former NAACP executive director, said one of his key goals was to ensure accurate and direct language around slavery and its legacy. He pointed out that for the first time, the Permanent Forum is officially using the term “reparations.” He also called for the U.N. and its member states to update terminology related to the transatlantic slave trade, including recognition of chattel enslavement as a legal framework for understanding the denial of humanity.
“We cannot trust nor entertain the notion that former and contemporary enslavers will now use AI and digital transformation to respect our humanity and fundamental rights,” Chavis told the forum. He proposed the formation of an international collective of multimedia and digital organizations that are owned and operated by Africans and people of African descent. Such a collective, he said, would serve as a necessary counter to the racism and imperialism maintained by so-called mainstream global media corporations and technology companies.
Established by the U.N. General Assembly in 2021, the Permanent Forum serves as a consultative and advisory body to the U.N. system and the Human Rights Council. Its mandate includes providing expert guidance on combating systemic racism, contributing to the drafting of a U.N. declaration on the rights of people of African descent, and assessing progress from the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024) while shaping the next decade (2025–2034). Chavis’s appearance also focused on language deconstruction, especially in the Caribbean, where sanitized or inaccurate terminology has distorted historical understanding. The famed Wilmington Ten leader spoke of the importance of framing slavery as a crime against humanity rooted in the ownership of human beings. “Our focus is on reparatory justice, digital justice, and the dismantling of algorithmic bias,” Chavis said. “Basta the crimes against our humanity. Basta Racism. Basta Imperialism. A Luta Continua. Victoria est Cert.”
Trash collected in downtown Eutaw on Saturday April 12, Clean-up Day sponsored by Eutaw City Council, Eutaw Garden Club and other volunteers
By John Zippert, Co-Publisher
This is a report of three meetings that the Eutaw City Council held during April 2025, the regular meetings on April 8 and 21 and a work session on April 15, 2025. The Eutaw City Council handled mostly routine business as well as a continuing argument over the best use of financial resources.
The Council adopted a Boligee and Eutaw Area Strategic Plan for 2025-2029 as a guideline and goals for future projects to support community improvement and economic growth over the next five years. The plan document was and prepared by the Delta Regional Authority with funding from Hope Enterprise Corporation. Engagement, writing and graphic design were completed by the Delta Design Build Workshop (Delta DB).
The City Council tabled this item in its April 8 meeting but approved it at the meeting on April 21, which gave members time to read and study the document. Some members were concerned that the plan might obligate the City to matching funds on projects for which it does not have funds on hand. Mayor Latasha Johnson clarified that the Strategic Plan was a guide to needed economic development, infrastructure, cultural and arts projects which would assist the city’s growth and development in the upcoming years. Copies are available through City Hall.
An agenda item that appeared in all three meetings concerned budget compliance for the General Fund and raises for city employees or laying off employees and return to a 40-hour work week. This agenda item was tabled in all three meetings pending a report through March 31,2025, half of the fiscal year, on the city finances and recommendations by the city’s Financial Adviser, Ralph Liverman. Some council members want Liverman to appear in person, so their will be no misunderstandings about his recommendations.
Mayor Johnson said that she kept employees, on the 32-hour schedule, to keep within the budget guidelines and not layoff staff. Council members Hunter and Woodruff were arguing that their interpretation of Liverman’s advice was that they should layoff staff and return to the 40-hour schedule to be in budgetary compliance. This matter was tabled until the March 31 financial report and budgetary adjustments and recommendations are available.
Another financial issue that came before the City Council, at all three meetings, was the disposition of two checks ($146,103.69 and $28,286.48) totaling $ !74,390.17, from the Alabama Examiner of Public Accounts from an audit of the Greene County ad valorem tax collections June 24, 2017 through June 26,2023, including some checks paid to the City that were outstanding and needed to be replaced. Councilman Woodruff asserted that these tax funds, which were an unexpected windfall, should be set aside in the Capital Improvements Fund for later use when the city’s financial status was clearer. The City Clerk explained that she used some of the funds to pay bills and that these funds will be reimbursed to the City from various construction projects. Woodruff also wanted to retain the funds to pay off the most recent loan to the City, at 6.5% interest, which he characterized as very high and expensive. This issue was postponed until there was a more accurate picture of the city’s finances, possibly after the March 31 financial report.
In other business, the Eutaw City Council:
• Approved a resolution for Zane Willingham, City Attorney, to represent the City in civil asset forfeitures of less than $5,000 on a contingency basis.
• Approved a 020-Restaurant Retail Liquor License for the King and Queen Cantina on Boligee Street in Eutaw.
• Approved Ordinance no. 2025-4 setting qualification fees for Mayor and City Council candidates in the upcoming municipal elections.
• Approved Resolution 2025-3 for the 2025 “Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday on July 18-20, 2025.
• Approved purchasing of dirt to repair the City Park Baseball Field.
• Approved T&H Services for a contract to remove trash on Park Avenue.
• Approved payment of bills.
The City Water Clerk reported $132,291 in revenues for March 2025; as compared to March 2024 – $102,740, March 2023 of $113,365, March 2022 of $117,585. This means the increase in water rates is generating $20,000+ in revenues each month toward increasing expenses.
Tommy Johnson, Chief of Police, reported that he had scheduled a special training class for women on the use of guns, for Saturday May 24, 2025, with registration at 7:45 AM and starting time at 8:00 AM at City Hall. The training will include a visit to the shoot range for practice in shooting. It also will include safety and maintenance of weapons.
Several councilmembers complained of large potholes in city streets that need to be repaired. The Mayor said she had a long list of street repair projects which she was working on as fast as she could with limited resources for materials and staff.
The Mayor thanked the Eutaw Garden Club for co-sponsoring the City Clean-up Day on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
School Board’s work session continues delineating plans and costs for GCHS Track and Field Project
The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session, Monday April 21, 2025, with all board members present. Prior to this meeting at 4:30 pm, the board met in a work session at 2:00 pm with representatives of the Architectural Firm of McKee & Associates to address questions and concerns of the board regarding the bids for the Greene County High School Track & Field Project. This work session was originally scheduled to discuss school system policies, especially the school uniform policy. At the called meeting on April 10, Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones announced that McKee would be invited to the board meeting on April 21 to discuss the Track & Field Project with the board. No clarity was provided as to how the work session’s scheduled topic on policies was exchanged for the meeting with McKee. Appropriately, no decisions were made in the work session and the Track & Field Project was not on the agenda of the regular meeting, however, in his report, Dr. Jones did give a brief summary of the meeting with McKee, which provided clarifications on bids and costs. The board is continuing costs discussions with McKee. Seemingly the expected cost of the Track & Field Project will be approximately $1.6 to $1.8 million. The State Department of Education will provide a portion of the cost. The Track & Field Project is Phase I of the Greene County High School Athletic Improvement Plan and does not include the football field, stadium area, field house, concession stand and parking. Additional funds will be needed for the continuing phases. The board approved the following personnel items recommended by Superintendent Jones. * Retirement of Ms. Theodora Scott, Fifth grade teacher at Robert Brown Middle School, effective June 1, 2025. * Resignation of Ms. Asia Quinnie, Second grade teacher at Eutaw Primary School, effective May 2, 2025. *Additional Service Contract for Henry Miles for Assistant Basketball Coach – Girls at Robert Brown Middle School for 2024 – 2025. The board approved the following administrative items recommended by the superintendent. * Out-of-State travel for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) members to visit Six Flags and the University of West Georgia on May 28- 29, 2025. * Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Makiva Wilson to assist in areas critical to the success of college and career readiness initiatives and dual enrollment at Greene County Career Center at a rate of $40 per hour, not to exceed 50 hours per month. * Quote in the amount of $1,980 from SecureTemps to purchase a sensor monitoring system for walk-in coolers and freezers at all three schools. * Out-of-State travel for Shirley Stewart, CNP Director, to attend the School Nutrition Association’s Annual National Conference on July 13 – 15, 2025 in San Antonio, TX. * Travel for Teresa Atkins and Corey Cockrell to chaperone students participating in the Discover the DR experience, in the Dominican Republic June 4 – 11, 2025. * Greene County Career Center to offer summer learning opportunities (CTE Camp/ACT Prep) during June and July. * Greene County High School’s Credit Recovery Plan 2025. Contract between Greene County Board of Education and Cook’s Pest Control for pest control services at Robert Brown Middle School in the amount of $$1,300 per year. * Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll. Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO. CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the monthly financial snapshot as of March 31, 2025. General fund balance totaled $7,931,239.56. This reconciles to the summary cash report. The accounts payable check register totaled $326,198.12. Payroll register totaled $944,441.86. Combined ending fund balanced totaled $8,255,403.33. Operating Reserve: The combined general fund reserve totaled 7.80 months; cash reserve totaled 7.49 months. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The local revenue included property taxes at $39,902.54; sales taxes at $103,138.96; other taxes at $4,859.17, with local revenue totaling $147,900.67.
Left to right are: Kelley R. Wilson-Service Caseworker; Carmeshia Gibson-Adult Service Worker; Modesta Smiley-Service Caseworker; LaTonya H Wooley-Service Supervisor; & Wilson Morgan-Director. Center sitting: Judge Rolonda M. Wedgeworth. Ms. Takeshia Knox-Quality Assurance/Resource Supervisor who was not pictured.
By Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County, Alabama
Whereas, our children are our most valuable resource and will shape the future of Alabama; and
Whereas, positive childhood experiences (PCES) – like loving caregivers and safe, stable and nurturing relationships – can help mitigate trauma and the negative impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) to promote the social emotional and developmental wellbeing of children; and
Whereas, childhood trauma can have long-term psychological, emotional, and physical effects throughout an individual’s lifetime and impact future generations of their family; and
Whereas, childhood trauma, including abuse and neglect, is serious problem affecting every community in the U.S. and finding solutions requires input and action from everyone and
Whereas, children who live in families with access to concrete economic and social supports are less likely to experience abuse and neglect and
Whereas, we acknowledge that in order to solve the public health issue of abuse and neglect we must work together to change hearts and mindsets through storytelling and sharing, center the needs of families, break down bias and barriers and inspire action for expected and unexpected partners in prevention; and
Whereas, we are committed to advancing equitable, responsive and effective systems that ensure all children and family are healthy and thriving; and
Whereas, we recognize the need to prioritize kids and invest in more prevention initiatives like home visiting and family-strengthening policies, economic supports and community-based child abuse prevention programs at the national, state and local levels;
Now Therefore, on this 21st day of April 2025, I, Rolonda M. Wedgeworth, Probate Judge of Greene County Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 2025 as National Children Abuse Prevention Month.
