Category: Community
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Public Notices
The City of Boligee is applying to the Alabama Department of Transportation for a federal capital funding award under Section 5310 of the Federal Transit Act. This funding is for capital assistance to help meet the transportation needs of seniors and individuals with disabilities in Greene County, Alabama. A public hearing will be held on June 12th at noon in the cafeteria at the Boligee Town Center at 17404 Co Rd 20, Boligee, Alabama for public comments.
Contact Information: Mayor Hattie Samuels, City of Boligee, 205 336 8531, boligeemayor@yahoo.com
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Greene County has a new parent alliance fighting for its school system
Maya Quinn, Managing Editor
Tuesday, June 2nd, Brandi Jones gathered fellow guardians and citizens concerned about the future of the Greene County School System. Her goal is to mobilize citizens in each county district to inform parents about how the school system operates and why it’s their responsibility to push for change. Newly elected board of education member Willie Ester Davis of District 4 was present for the inaugural meeting.
According to the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) snapshot for 2024, Greene County Schools rank 24th in state funding received per student ($8,891), 13th in local funding ($6,437), and 9th in federal funding ($5,643). Yet with an estimated 889 students in the district, the school system still ended the fiscal year with $19,145,000 of debt.
A school system’s revenue is calculated from funds contributed from state revenue (42%), local taxes (31%), and federal funding (27%). While the state percentage in the largest piece of the pie, only 10% is available for non-personnel expenditures. Local revenue contributions depend on citizens in the county who own property (houses, cars, etc), and federal funding only supplements state and local funding, often operating under a reimbursement model. By the numbers, Greene County‘s citizens have the greatest impact on school revenue that can be spent on improvements.
As a parent with a child attending Robert Brown Middle School, Jones has witnessed the spread of misinformation regarding the quality of education and school policies. Many citizens have relied on negative anecdotes regarding school board proceedings, which ultimately overshadows the truth. “One of the main goals I want is for us to be educated.” Jones began, “A lot of parents are saying they don’t know, which is why we need to encourage them to attend meetings such as this… We want to encourage parents to get involved in their child’s schooling. That’s our biggest vision.”
Jones also emphasized the importance of proper decorum when bringing issues to the board of education. Members will serve as ambassadors and liaisons for parents, especially those who are unable to attend school board meetings. Mrs. Willie Esther Austin, Dollarhide Volunteer Fire Department’s 2023 firefighter of the year, extended similar sentiments for the alliance. “We have to speak positively about our school system,” Austin stated as she encouraged members of the alliance to meet anger with kindness and redirect disrespect towards school board personnel. Attendees also discussed offering the truancy officer and other educational departments support whenever possible.
The alliance hopes to involve any members of the community, regardless of whether they have children or not. “I have a vision for members to be active for our children,” Jones stated. “ We’re [all] gonna have to be involved…When we come back in three months, we should see results.”
The Greene Means Go parent alliance will meet quarterly to assess progress with goals from their respective communities. For more information about the alliance, contact Brandi Jones at (205) 531-9111
Related articles on our website: “School Board reviews Greene County School System’s AASB 2023 snapshot data.”
Related links: Greene County AASB 2024 Snapshot
Featured Image: Robert Brown students return to school (Greene County Democray)
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Searching for Social Justice – a warning
Dr. Monty J. Thornburg, Sunfield Humanities Research
A letter to Educational Colleagues:
Monday, June 1, 2026, was a State Holiday in Alabama. The June 1st Holiday each year honors Jefferson Davis, the former president of the Confederacy, whose government stood for the enslavement of African American people.
In 2014, I flew from California to Alabama to honor Dr. Robert Brown, Alabama’s and the South’s first Black public-school superintendent. The Alabama Black Belt Hall of Fame had inducted Brown at the University of West Alabama (UWA).
UWA established the Alabama Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2003. It honored individuals who made significant contributions to the Black Belt Region. Its purpose was to promote awareness of the area’s cultural heritage and to support UWA’s commitment to regional development.
Two of the first three inductees were African Americans: George Washington Carver, a famous scientist at Tuskegee University. Across the South, in towns and cities, Carver’s name is seen on one of the once-segregated Black High Schools. Carver High School in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama, was prominent during the Voting Rights Movement that began in Selma, Alabama, with “Bloody Sunday” on March 7, 1965.
Willie King was also honored as one of the first inductees at UWA. By 2014, when Dr. Robert Brown was selected as an inductee and honored, the politics in the United States had shifted, with President Obama serving in his final years in office. By 2016, the year that Harper Lee, noted author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was inducted into the UWA Black Belt Hall of Fame, as Donald Trump and his MAGA agenda took office, the award seemed to be almost disappearing. None of the plaques intended for display in the University’s Museum ever appeared. Willie King’s Blues Music became part of the Black Belt’s Folk Arts and Culture events held annually in Eutaw, Alabama, at the Old Courthouse, celebrating its 50th Anniversary in August 2026. The two-day events feature West Alabama Blues on Saturday and Black Gospel on Sunday, established by leaders from the Miles College of Birmingham, extension program.
When UWA selected Dr. Robert Brown for the Black Belt Hall of Fame, I was uninformed about the racial politics of the region between Greene County and Sumpter County, as the region transformed from the Old South “Jim Crow” segregation to a “New South” version that is unique in the Western Black Belt of Alabama. Dr.
Brown was UWA’s first Black professor and the first professional person to ever work at UWA. He joined the faculty in 1967, the year UWA’s first Black student also entered.
Dr. Brown’s remarkable career in military service, civil rights service, and as the South’s first county and district public school superintendent in 1970, second in the nation, I was proud to have the opportunity to fly from California to Livingston, Alabama, to give his induction speech.
Before arriving in Livingston, I had learned that although Brown’s significant accomplishments in the military and civil rights, and his service as a UWA committee member, were recognized, his tenure as UWA’s FIRST Professional Black Educator was SILENCED.
Why was his UWA tenure SILENCED? This question has been a centerpiece of my research since. The answer, I’ve learned, tells a story that extends beyond the UWA, Sumpter, and Greene County, and beyond Alabama. The reasons for his being silenced extend to our national story amid disheartening social and political division. It’s a division that extends across the United States.
Featured image: Dr. Robert Brown’s UWA Black Belt Hall of Fame Induction (Dr. Monty Thornburg)
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City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads
Featured above: city council with water and sewage personnel showing the new sewer jetter
by Maya Quinn, editor
City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads
Eutaw City Council met for its regular session on Tuesday, May 26th, 2026. All council members were present for the meeting and approved the minutes of the May 12th session. The main topics of discussion for the meeting included the application plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Fund, roofing bids, and the purchase of a new sewage jetter.
During the new business, Mayor Cockrell introduced Cara Stallman from Grant Management LLC, based in Baldwin County, to lead the discussion regarding the CDBG fund for the City of Eutaw. Stallman explained that the city’s demographics “are perfect for this money,” citing a high proportion of low-income residents and the need for newly paved roads as her reasoning. The CDBG funds would be used for streets such as Carver Circle, 1st Ave, Constantine Street, and Springfield Avenue. “We’re not gonna put a band-aid on it,” Stallman said as she explained that the roads would be stripped and completely paved anew when asked about patching and drainage.
Stallman has also worked with other cities in the Black Belt, such as Boligee, where she helped them obtain funds for new roads and a playground near their city hall. Mayor Cockrell voiced his confidence in Stallman’s abilities, recalling her 85% success rate. “She has worked wonders,” he stated.
Following the grant discussions, Mayor Cockrell announced that the city had purchased a new sewage jetter, the Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual. The new jetter can clean the interior walls of pipes from grease sludge to tree roots. Cockrell also reminded citizens about the new sewage flushing equipment and to call city hall or council members directly if there is brown water.
Council members also shared status reports from their districts. Councilwoman Watkins of District 1 reminded attendees that the Caring People initiative, started by her late husband, will be handing out free produce on Saturday, June 13th, at 10 am. Councilwoman Hunter of District 3 stated that the gas bill had decreased significantly and thanked everyone for their continued efforts. Mr. Joe Powell requested prayers regarding a heart procedure.
Here are the approved agenda items for the meeting:
- Accept the Four-Factor Analysis for Limited English Proficiency Persons: CDBG Program
- Approve the Sample Citizen Participation Plan CDBG Program
- Approve Resolution 2026-03: Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for FY 2026 (Due July 2nd)
- Approve Resolution 2026-04: Purchase of Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual from Patterson Equipment of The Woodlands, TX
- Opening Bids for City Hall and R.H. Young Community Center Roofs
- Approve Payment of Bills
The next Eutaw City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 9th, at 5 pm.
Featured image credentials: Maya Quinn on iPhone 15
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Board of Education prepares for summer enrichment and increased academic achievements next school year
by Maya Quinn, editor
On Thursday, May 21st, the Greene County Board of Education met in a regular session to close out the school year and discuss summer plans. Following the superintendent’s positive remarks on the 2025-2026 school year, Federal Programs Coordinator and Truancy Officer Dr. Charlayne Jordan-Riley, along with Technology & Textbook and School Safety Coordinator Rebecca Coleman, took the floor to present the Distance Learning and Telemedicine (DLT) Grant Project sponsored by the USDA Rural Utilities Service (RUS).
Dr. Riley has overseen the strategic use of Federal Funds in the Greene County School System (GCS) for 10 years, providing information on Title I programs, the largest federal contribution to K-12 education, to improve learning environments across GCS. Ms. Coleman has served GCS for over 20 years, the most recent five as technology coordinator. Their collaboration on this grant project aims to decrease chronic absenteeism and improve academic achievement throughout GCS by implementing in-school telemedicine, providing technology-enabled professional development spaces, and equipping learning spaces for dual enrollment. Desired outcomes for the project include an increase in academic achievement by 10%, a reduction in chronic absenteeism by 10%, and an increase in student dual enrollment by 10%.
The total funding request for a professional development space, interactive teacher training, health support services, and digital instructional tools is $852,499.00. If accepted, the district match (the money the district is responsible for contributing) is 15% of the requested funds, $111,195.52. The grant submission is due on June 30th, with an orientation date in August, pending acceptance. The proposal was well received by the board, with the Superintendent stating that this will “take away excuses to not be in school. Chronic absenteeism is a big part of our state report card. We get dinged for it every year.”
All recommendations by the Superintendent were approved. Here they are as follows:
- Paid Parental Leave Policy
- 4-Day Work Week Summer Schedule
- Contractual agreement with Denise Horton to provide Instructional and behavioral support services to students for FY 2026-2027
- Agreement with Kim Herren to provide developmental delay services for pre-school children during the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement with Quitt Consulting to provide speech-language therapy services for children in Greene County for the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement for Tammy W. Lewis, MSCCC-SLP to provide speech services for the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement with Behavioral Solutions of Mississippi for Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Consultative Services and Functional Behavioral Assessments/Behavioral Intervention Plans for students displaying behavioral issues for the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement with West Alabama Therapy, LLC to provide physical and occupational therapy to IDEA-eligible students for the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement with H&H Educational Services, LLC to provide psychometric services for the 2026-2027 school year
- Agreement with Demisha Stough to provide gifted services for the 2026-2027 school year
- Contract with Laura Stoppelbein, LLC to provide diagnostic evaluations to assist in the identification of students suspected of having autism for the 2026-2027 school year
- Contract with Alicia Hodge-Scott to provide special education services for the district on an as-needed basis for the 2026-2027 school year
- Greene County High School Credit Recovery Plan 2026
- Hiring of four Greene County students for summer employment to assist the maintenance department for June 2026 at a rate of $10.00 per hour, working 20 hours per week
- Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
- Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
The board approved the following personnel action items:
Resignation
- Cherry, Tina EPS Custodian
Employment
- Miller, Aaliyah EPS 2nd Grade Teacher (New)
- Payne, Kendra RBMS ELA 6th (New)
- Smith, Jennifer RBMS Math 6th (New)
- Esquire, Preyjorntez EPS First Grade Teacher (New)
- Thomas, Kalya EPS Long-term Sub
- Tyree, Akeem RBMS Soc. Studies Teacher 7-8 (New)
Retirement
- Robinson, Dorris RMBS PE Teacher
Employment – Summer Learning/Summer School ($50 per hour)
Teachers, Para-Professionals – $25 per hour
Nurses – $50.00 per hour
Bus Drivers – $100 a day:
- Coats, Eddie, Summer Driver
- Russell, Carla, Summer Driver
- Grays, Jerdin, Summer Driver
- Crawford, Ayanna, Summer Driver
- Pippen, George, Summer Driver
- Holloway, Gerald, Summer Driver
- Lewis, Natasha, Summer Driver
- Lucious, Stanley, Summer Driver
- Steele, Marcus, Alt. Summer Driver
- Williams, Veronica, Alt. Summer Driver
- Gaines, James, Alt. Summer Driver
- Hill, Teresa, Alt. Summer Driver
- Pelt, Johnny, Alt. Summer Driver
- Jackson, Arlean, Bus Aide (Summer)
- Davis, Linda, CNP Summer Cook
- Hill, Mary, CNP Summer Cook
- Henderson, Loria, CNP Summer Manager
- Horton, Frances, CNP Summer Manager (Sub)
- Taylor, Deborah, CNP Summer Manager
- Williams, Shirleria, CNP Summer Cook
- Wilson, Sandy, CNP Summer Manager
- Hill, Angela, EPS Summer Teacher
- Taylor, Walter, EPS Summer Teacher
- Williams, Keisha, EPS Summer Teacher
- Henley, LaShaun, EPS Summer Teacher
- Smith, Charlease, EPS Summer Teacher
- Daniels, Carolyn, EPS Summer Teacher
- Hobson, Mary, EPS Aide (Summer)
- Clayton, Erica, EPS Aide (Summer)
- Williams, Akia, RMBS Summer Teacher
- Bryant, Vanessa, RMBS Summer Teacher
- Cyrus, Naomi, RMBS Summer Teacher
- Smith, Felicia, RMBS Summer Teacher
- Bryant, Raven, RMBS Summer Teacher
- Childs, Dorothea, RMBS Aide (Summer)
- Edwards, Tura, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Jones, Dutchess, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Harkness, Angela, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Reynolds, Clifford, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Askew, Janice, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Porter, Tameshia, GCHS Summer Teacher
- Morton, Drenda, GCHS Aide (Summer)
- Edwards, Jacqueline, GCHS Summer Custodian
- Collins, Shalanda, District Summer Nurse
- Lawrence, Brenda, District Summer Nurse (Sub)
- Carpenter, Elston, EPS SRO
- Walker, Lededrian, RMBS SRO
- Carpenter, Sidney, GCHS SRO
- Davis, Steven, District SRO (Sub)
Non-renewal
- Taylor, Zarquashia, GCCC Health Science
ACAP Supplemental Reading Assessment Stipend
- Knott, Marilyn, EPS Counselor
Voluntary Transfer
- Ruffin, Denetria, EPS From Elem Teacher to PE Teacher
- Campbell, Robin, RBMS From Kindergarten to ELA 7-8
- Perry, Andrea, RBMS Principal
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Celebrating the 65th anniversary of Greene County’s hospital
Featured above: Greene County Hospital Foundation members, GCHS CEO Roderick Williams, Director of Nurses for Greene County’s Nursing Home Nicole Henley, and Material Management Coordinator Marquita Walton
by Maya Quinn, editor
The Eutaw Senior Activity Center was transformed into a ballroom for an evening of dancing to celebrate Greene County Hospital’s 65th anniversary. Hospital CEO and Administrator Rodergick Williams spearheaded the fundraising event to procure funds for the hospital’s longevity. The night began with Williams thanking the donors and citizens who use Greene County’s health services. He also applauded the diligent personnel of Greene County Health System, saying he has “very special leaders” around him.
Latasha Johnson leading line dances during the evening Mr. Williams has been on a mission to support his beloved hometown. “When I arrived six months ago, our major bank accounts were seized during my first payroll cycle,” Williams said. Williams immediately drove to the IRS office in Birmingham to tell their case manager that, unlike previous administrators, he was interested in running a “transparent, accountable, properly operating healthcare system.” The case manager released the funds that same day.
Although some may believe Greene County Health System is fully county-funded, the majority of the $1.2 million monthly expenses for the hospital and nursing home are paid for by citizens using their services. “Every routine clinic visit, lab, X-ray, and outpatient service that leaves Greene County is revenue rural hospitals need in order to survive,” Williams explained. Plans to expand the hospital cannot rely on generous donations alone, especially in the face of federal funding cuts for Medicaid and other insurance under the Affordable Care Act. It is imperative that county citizens regularly use its services so they have expedient care for the big moments–emergencies and major accidents.
Procuring more funding and optimizing the hospital’s operations will accommodate career tech opportunities. The hospital aims to provide readily available jobs to high school graduates through a CNA-to-RN pipeline, with the possibility of advancing to management positions. This initiative will combat the population decline of Greene County, as many students often search for work outside of the county upon graduation. “We must support our children,” Williams stated. There are already 7 students participating in the CNA career tech program supervised by the Director of Nursing at Greene County Nursing Home, Nicole Henley.
65 shades of Greene decorations by Latasha Johnson In this new era of healthcare for Greene County, victory is on the horizon. Williams understands how to expand Greene County’s health systems from working with some of America’s largest hospitals. “One day our story will be told because people will want to understand how a small rural hospital in the Black Belt survived while others disappeared,” Williams began, “If you partner with us now, your name becomes part of that story…Thank you all for believing in us.”
To learn more about Greene County Health Systems, visit https://gcheutaw.com/ or call (205) 372-3388
All image credentials: Maya Quinn on iPhone 15
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GCEMS shares their story, and why it needs your help
Above: Loretta Wilson, EMS Administrators, and newest BLS provider Richard Cox
It is no secret that the Greene County Emergency Services (GCEMS) has been left destitute by the poor financial decisions of its previous administration. The IRS alone requests $10,000 per month for delinquent taxes. During the most recent EMS board meeting, current Operations Manager Brady Greene highlighted the importance of municipal intervention to prevent a state takeover of the services. Failure to rectify the past could ultimately result in the services becoming a state-centered institution instead of a community-oriented nonprofit.
As of now, the GCEMS can set its own standards of care and take into account the unique needs of the county’s citizens. “Anything we make goes back to the community,” Greene stated during his presentation. The current staff understands the population they serve, allowing them to host events that offer critical, life-saving education. A state takeover would prioritize operational costs and supersede any decisions of the local government. The state would hire without peer review and be given enhanced immunity. The citizens and local governments would have no bearing on the quality of service provided.
Earliest known records kept at the GCEMS headquarters tell a tale rooted in mismanagement and neglect. The previous administrators failed to provide adequate financial and patient records to comply with state regulations, leading the EMS into its current crisis.
For years, there were no operational budgets. There were no taxes paid. There were no retirement reimbursements paid. There were no vehicle maintenance schedules. There were no headquarters repairs.
Now, the GCEMS would need assistance of $150,996 per month, with estimated cost categories as follows: payroll and taxes $125,620 per month, fleet operations and maintenance $12,162 per month, and standard operational costs $13,214 per month.
While the 2026 EMS Reform Act will increase revenues starting October 1st, it is not feasible for the services to be fully funded by reimbursements alone. Patient billing reimbursements are sporadic and unpredictable, so GCEMS often waits months to receive them. Many counties subsidize their emergency services to offer more funding sources while protecting patients from unexpected costs. Here in Greene County, however, the GCEMS operates as an independent nonprofit institution, only receiving what municipalities, organizations, and citizens choose to donate. Commissioner Garria Spencer reminded meeting attendees that the commission assisted Greene County Hospital with $200,000 to aid its own tax delinquency. The EMS services have always “been on an island out there on their own,” said EMS Board Chairman Nat Winn.
The ambulance service is operating with 7 personnel: 1 EMR/driver, 2 BLS providers, 1 ALS provider in training, and 3 ALS providers who also serve in management positions. It is an understatement to say the company is stretched thin to serve Greene County’s 647 square miles and estimated population of 7,067. Yet, they still dutifully answer every call to the best of their abilities. Management often works up to 96-hour shifts just to ensure there is a capable workforce that meets state regulations. If GCEMS does not adhere to emergency service laws, it could result in suspension of services, revocation of licenses, and debilitating lawsuits.
Management team members have shelled out thousands of dollars to ensure compliance with the laws governing EMS services. EMS Vice Chair Loretta Wilson recently spent over $3,000 to rescue an ambulance, full of expensive medical equipment, from a mechanic lien in North Alabama. Admins have stocked the ambulance with IV equipment, bought uniforms, and even put gas in the tank, all of which are examples of how these men have contributed more than what is listed in their job descriptions. The men of GCEMS are committed to ensuring that the people of Greene County are protected and given high-quality, life-saving care. “Just because Greene County is rural does not mean the residents deserve less than the absolute best that is possible compared to any other county,” said Greene.
The very entity that has saved countless county lives now needs a savior. A united front from those that they serve is their only hope. “We may as well brace ourselves,” Winn began, “Billing is not going to cover costs. There’s going to be a continuous shortfall. The commission and municipalities are going to need to subsidize the ambulance service.”
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GCEMS Operational Breakdown
Take a look at Operations Manager Brady Greene’s presentation on how the EMS operates, the laws it must follow, and future budget plans.
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County Commission and City of Eutaw enter a cooperative for youth recreation
by Maya Quinn
The Greene County Commission met on Monday, May 11th, for its regular session. During the meeting, commissioners discussed plans for continuing to support the Greene County EMS (GCEMS) payroll and engineering plans for a splash pad at The Old Carver School Site. All commissioners were present for the session.
During commissioner reports, Commissioner Smith of District 2 reported that everything is running well. Commissioner Summerville of District 5 thanked the highway department for their efforts and yielded the floor to hospital CEO Roderick Williams. Williams updated attendees on the progress of the hospital’s community garden and drug detox program. Williams stated that the hospital was able to hand out fresh produce to residents, namely collard greens. The detox program aids in helping citizens regain their footing after being devastated by drugs and/or alcohol abuse.
Commissioner Johnson thanked staff and the attorney for their tireless efforts. She stated the chairman’s work is an inspiration. Commissioner Spencer detailed his trials of asking other municipalities to invest in GCEMS. Noting that the town of Forkland has definitively denied offering any assistance.
The CFO report detailed that the county commission currently has $2,685,122.21 in unrestricted funds at Citizens Trust and $749,642.12 at Merchant & Farmers. Although unrestricted, many of the funds have been earmarked for road repairs and other city infrastructure, leaving approximately $145,000 in the general fund that can be allocated for other projects. A full bank statement report will be uploaded to http://www.greenecodemocrat.com
Mrs. Marilyn Armstead presented a proposal for Eutaw City Hall and the commission to collaborate on renovations at the old Carver School Site. The collaboration would turn the site into a recreational facility with walking trails splash pad. “We’re looking at something that involves the whole family,” Armstead stated. The commission would be responsible for approximately $37,000 in engineering fees, while the city would pay for land, sewage, water, and partial facility. Some concerns were raised regarding the decision to fund this project while the GCEMS is in dire need of financial assistance. “At the end of the day, we need something to keep people here. We need something for the kids to do,” Mayor Cokrell asserted.
The EMS board representative came to request assistance with payroll. With a bank account balance of $9,908.00, they would still be short about $20,000 for payroll. Questions were raised regarding whether funds from billing had already been used. EMS Director James Robinson explained that they were still awaiting reimbursements as far back as January, so financial intervention from municipalities is imperative. “We want to make this service way better than it has ever been,” Robinson stated.
The approved new business items are as follows:
- The proposal from Mrs. Marilyn Armstead on the recreation site at the Old Carver High School
- The contribution of $10,000 for EMS payroll (Commissioner Turner opposed)
- Purchase Ad in the Greene County Democrat Graduation Edition – $600.00
- Naming a road in District 1 – Lucious Morrow Drive
The next regular session for the commission is scheduled for June 8th.
