The Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • County extends 1 cent sales tax for hospital Greene County Commission rejects Greenetrack’s offer to settle outstanding lease payments

    At the Greene County Commission’s work session held Wednesday, April 6, 2016, Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr. presented a document from Greenetrack CEO Luther Winn offering $600,000 to settle the outstanding lease payments due to the county from Greenetrack.  The offer presented in the Commission’s work session indicated that Greenetrack would pay $250,000 as lease payment for 2013; $150,000 for 2014; $100,000 for 2015; and $100,000 for 2016.
    At the following monthly meeting held Monday, April 11, 2016, the County Commission voted to reject  that offer from Luther Winn and Greenetrack, Inc. The Commission supported a motion directing the Chairperson to inform Winn in writing that the last lease agreement was set at a payment of $250,000 annually and at this time discussions on a new agreement were necessary.
    Greene County and Greenetrack, Inc. own jointly the physical property where Greenetrack operates simulcasting dog and horse racing as well as the electronic bingo operations. Greenetrack and the County Commission had an agreement in which Greenetrack, Inc. would pay a designated amount for use of the county’s portion of the property.  The current 20 year lease agreement was reached by the two parties in 2008 with Greenetrack committing to pay the county $250,000 per year.  Reportedly, this agreement stated that the lease amount could be re-negotiated every 5 years.  If there was no re-negotiation, the current lease payment would continue.  There was no re-negotiated lease agreement between the parties since 2008.
    Based on the 2008 agreement Greenetrack owes the county $1 million dollars in lease fees.
    The County Commission agreed to extend, for an additional 10 years, a one cent sales tax which supports the Greene County Health System.  That sales tax generates approximately $35,000 per month for the hospital system.  The county’s authorization included language which would allow the hospital to pursue other financial assistance against this guaranteed sales tax revenue. County CFO, Paula Bird reported the total funds in banks as of March 16, 2016 as follows:  Citizen Trust Bank $2,398,717.49; Merchants & Farmers Bank $1,636,341.33; CD Bond Fund Investments $566,145.29; Bank of New York $575,610.26. The CFO reported one budget amendment request from Sheriff Jonathan Benison to move $8,000 from the fuel account to the account for repairs to motor vehicles. The Commission approved this request as well as the financial, claims, revenue and expenditures reports presented by Bird.
    Mrs. Joyce Pham and Ms. Katie Powell were appointed to serve on the Housing Authority of Greene County Board of Directors for Districts 5 and 2, respectively. The appointment for District I was tabled.
    The Commission also tabled the J.C. Poole Library Board appointments for Districts 1 and 3.
    In other business the Commission approved the following:
    * Travel requests for employee training: Rhonda French – Payroll Certification Program; Tanesha Mack and Blake McMillian – ACCA Jail Training; Jeremy Rancher – Child Abuse Training; Iris Sermon and Hodges Smith – EMITS; Iris Sermon – Fusion; Commissioners Brown, Cockrell and Williams – Prattville Training.
    * Resolution regarding the Abatement of Taxes and support of the passage of HB 169 and SB 96.
    * Resolution adopting a Title VI Plan for ALDOT grant (Nutrition Program).
    * Resolution approving the 2016 Sales Tax Holiday.
    * Resolution approving the Finley McRae Cemetery.
    * Board of Education’s request to use lawn of the former Miles College building for a parent cookout on April 22, 2016.

     

  • The wage gap: terrible for all women, even worse for women of color; Tuesday was ‘Equal Pay Day’

    By: Lydia O’Connor Reporter, The Huffington Post

    Fast Food Protests
    A woman carries a sign for equal pay as she marches with other protestors in support of raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour as part of an expanding national movement known as Fight for 15, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in Miami. The event was part of a national protest day to coincide with the April 15 deadline for filing income taxes. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

    How much does being a woman cost over a lifetime? A lot more if she’s Latina.
    Tuesday was Equal Pay Day — the day that marks how far into the year full-time employed women have to work in order to earn what their male counterparts earned in the year prior. To mark the occasion, the National Women’s Law Center released a report showing how much the wage gap costs women over their lifetime. The findings, released earlier this month, are based on 2014 U.S. Census data showing the difference between women’s and men’s median annual earnings for full-time, year-round employees, multiplied by 40 years. The data comes from a Census study that does not take immigration status into account, meaning it doesn’t make distinctions about whether or not people are undocumented.
    We’re often reminded that women earn 79 cents for every dollar men earn, but what sometimes gets lost is that the gap is much worse for Latinas, black women and other women of color. Here are some of the NWLC’s most jarring takeaways about being a woman of color working in the U.S.:
    Women overall lose out on more than $400,000 over the course of their careers, but most women of color are shorted more than double that.
    Men out-earn women in all 50 states and in Washington D.C. For full-time, year-round employees nationwide, women earn a median annual $39,621 compared to men’s $50,383 — a yearly difference of $10,762. If a woman works for 40 years, then, that adds up to a lifetime shortfall of $430,480 as compared to a man.
    But most women of color can expect to lose out on a lot more. When compared to the earnings of white men, that wage loss figure rises to $883,040 for Native American women, $877,480 for black women and $1,007,080 for Latinas.
    The gap is smaller — though still nowhere near equitable — for Asian-American women, whose lifetime wage difference compared to white men totals $365,440. So, you know, just a third of a million dollars, instead of an actual million dollars.
    In a shocking number of states, white men earn more than twice as much as Latinas.
    There are 12 states, or about a quarter of the country, where Latinas on average earn less than half of what white men make per year. In order from greatest lifetime wage gap to least, these states are New Jersey, California, Maryland, Connecticut, Texas, Massachusetts, Washington, Illinois, Rhode Island, Utah, Georgia and Alabama.
    For black women, the above is true only in Louisiana, and for Native American women it’s only true in Delaware. There are no states where, overall, men earn twice as much per year as women, and no states where white men earn twice as much as Asian-American women.
    Our nation’s capital is setting a horrible example.
    At first glance, Washington, D.C., doesn’t look like one of the most dire environments. With lifetime wage losses for women overall totaling $288,560, it’s the seventh best state for working women.
    But when lifetime wage loss for black women and Latinas is stacked up against the lifetime earnings of white men, D.C. comes in dead last. It’s also the second worst for Asian-American women and eighth worst for Native American women.

  • Career Center inducts 22 students in National Technical Honor Society

    Honor Students

    Newly inducted members of the National Technical Honor Society are shown with Dr. Rhinnie Scott, Principal of the GCHS Career Center,  Mrs. Angela White, Ms. Shenell H. Spears and Ms. Willie Gilmore Co-advisors;  Rev. Gwendolyn Webb, guest speaker; Interim Superintendent  Dr. James H. Carter, Sr.  and School Board President, Mr. Leo Branch.

    Greene County High School Career Center inducted its first scholars into the National Technical Honor Society, Friday March 31, 2016.  The 22 students indicted included Telejah Bevelle, Denzel Davis, Sabrina French, Jameria Hood, Tyra Hutton, N’Khala Richardson, Ashley Taylor, Amber Woods, Delorine Brown, Brittany Deloatch, Raven Gilliam, Leterreia Hutton, Destini Jackson, Lauren Smith, Jasmine Williams, Tukiya Cunningham, Amber French, Sara Hawkins, Ollivara Hutton, Anthony McGhee, Chanique Sterling and Michael Winn.
    The program consisted of the following: Entrance of Inductee; Posting of Colors by the JROTC; Pledge of Allegiance led by Denzel Davis; Welcome given by Tukiya Cunningham; History of NTHS shared by Ollivara Hutton; Selection by the GCHS Choir; Purpose presented by Lauren Smith; the Motto/Colors/Slogan explained by Sara Hawkins and the Introduction of the Guest Speaker presented by Sabrina French.Rev. Gwendolyn Cook-Webb, Pastor of God’s People United for a Better World Church, Birmingham, AL was the guest speaker.  Rev. Webb shared her experiences as a child of the movement in Birmingham in the 1960’s on.
    The lighting of the candles representing the Seven Attributes of NTHC was presented as follows: Knowledge by Amber Woods; Skill by Jasmine Williams; Honesty by Ashley Taylor; Service by Chanique Sterling; Responsibility by Tyra Hutton; Scholarship by Anthony McGhee; Citizenship by N’Khala Richardson; and Leadership by Delorine Brown.
    Pinning of Inductees and Presentation of Certificates were led by Mrs. Angela White, Ms. Willie Gilmore and Ms. Shenell Spears.  Dr. Rhinnie Scott, Principal of the Career Center, Interim Superintendent James H. Carter and School Board President Mr. Leo Branch also assisted.
    Following the students recitation of the NTHS Pledge, closing remarks were presented by Dr. Carter and Dr. Rhinnie Scott.  A reception followed for students, parents and other guests.
    About NTH
    The National Technical Honor Society, founded in 1984, serves approximately 80,000 active members nationwide. Over $225,000 in scholarship is awarded annually to its members.  For over 30 years NTHS has been the acknowledged leader in the recognition of outstanding student achievement in career and technical education.
    NTHS strives to bring well deserved recognition, scholarship opportunities, and career opportunities to students who excel in one of the 108 career and technical educational fields as their profession. Through its scholarships, NTHS encourages students to pursue higher education and training in technical fields and supports members in their lifelong commitment to a skilled trade.

  • Legislative delegation meets with community on proposed changes in Amendment 743 Future of electronic bingo in Greene County uncertain due to Supreme Court ruling

    Artis .jpg

    Persons leading community meeting on bingo, Sunday night at the National Guard Armory; L to R.State Representative Artis J. McCampbell, Spiver W. Gordon, Leo Branch, Chair Greene County School Board, Sarah Duncan, Rev. James Carter, Finest Miles and State Senator Bobby Singleton.

    The past week has been a difficult one for the future of electronic bingo in Greene County. On Thursday, the Alabama Supreme Court upheld lower court decisions seizing electronic bingo machines and cash from Victoryland in 2003. The Court continued to assert that “bingo” was a game played on paper cards and that none of the Constitutional Amendments, including Greene County’s Amendment 743, protected electronic gaming machines as legal in Alabama. On Sunday at the Eutaw National Guard Armory, over 150 local residents came out to hear State Senator Bobby Singleton and State Representative Artis McCampbell explain their bill to change Amendment 743. The four electronic bingo establishments in the county, Sheriff Benison, County Commissioners, School Board members, other public officials and citizens were present to understand and discuss the bill.
    On Tuesday, in the Alabama State Senate, Senator Harri Anne Smith of the Wiregrass area contested Singleton’s bill, which had been passed out of committee, on the floor.  Her action blocked the bill.
    Senator Singleton withheld his bill and contested all other local bills pending in the State Senate, in the same way that Smith contested his bill.

    Impact of Alabama Supreme Court decision

    Attorney General Luther Strange hailed the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision Thursday against VictoryLand as a resounding victory for the rule of law and the definitive word that electronic bingo is illegal in Alabama.
    “The Alabama Supreme Court’s ruling is abundantly clear that electronic bingo is illegal and repeated court challenges to the contrary will not change that fact,” said Attorney General Strange. “I cannot say it any better than the court itself.”
    The Alabama Supreme Court ruling observed: “Today’s decision is the latest, and hopefully the last, chapter in the more than six years’
    worth of attempts to defy the Alabama Constitution’s ban on “lotteries.” It is the latest, and hopefully the last, chapter in the ongoing saga of attempts to defy the clear and repeated holdings of this Court beginning in 2009 that electronic machines like those at
    issue here are not the “bingo” referenced in local bingo amendments.     It is the latest, and hopefully the last, chapter in the failure of some local law-enforcement officials in this State to enforce the anti-gambling laws of this State they are sworn to uphold, thereby
    necessitating the exercise and performance by the attorney general of the authority and duty vested in him by law, as the chief law-enforcement officer of this State, to enforce the criminal laws of this State.
    And finally, it is the latest, and hopefully last, instance in
    which it is necessary to expend public funds to seek appellate review of the meaning of a simple term — “bingo” – which, as reviewed above, has been declared over and over and over again by this Court. There is no longer any room for uncertainty, nor justification for continuing dispute, as to the meaning of that term. And certainly the need for any further expenditure of judicial resources, including the resources of this Court, to examine this issue is at an end. All that is left is for the law of this State to be enforced.”
    Attorney General Strange added, “I consider the work of my office in bringing the issue of electronic gambling to the courts for final judgement to now be complete. It is now up to the Governor, ALEA, and local authorities to ensure that the law is properly enforced.
    “I am proud of the work of the many local law enforcement jurisdictions who have performed their duty to enforce our laws and I am equally proud of my legal team in bringing this case and the question of electronic bingo to a successful conclusion.”
    There is a similar suit pending in Greene County about machines seized in raids on bingo facilities in Greene County. Greene County’s Amendment 743 specifically allows “electronic forms of bingo” while legislation in other parts of the state do not explicitly permit electronic machines, which the Supreme Court, AG Strange and other consider illegal gambling slot machines.
    It is unclear if Attorney General Strange plans to raid bingo again or leave it up to local law enforcement while he pursues his own political career, which may include a run for Governor.

    Sunday’s Community Meeting on Electronic Bingo

    Senator Singleton came to the meeting in Greene County to discuss his local legislative bill, which makes changes in the Greene County Constitutional Amendment 743 on bingo. He said that the bill was developed in consultation with Republican leaders of the Senate,
    in particular Dale Marsh, to clarify the status and legality of electronic bingo. “ We need 21 votes to pass this bill and there are only 6 Democratic Senators, so we need help,” said Singleton.
    The bill would allow gaming on any machine authorized for use in Indian casinos by regulations of the National Indian Gaming Commission. “Since these machines are legal at Indian casinos, they should be legal in Greene County,” said Singleton. He also indicated that several legislators were very protective of the Indians and did want him to use their definition to justify our use of electronic bingo machines that are approved in the Indian casinos.
    The bill requires that gaming be done at only one facility in Greene County, which is licensed for pari-mutuel betting on horses and greyhound dogs. This facility is Greenetrack. If these changes pass, the other three bingo facilities, permitted by the Sheriff, will be closed.
    There was much discussion on the employment and services that would be lost if these other three facilities were forced to close.
    The bill provides for a state and local gross receipts tax on the revenues generated by electronic bingo, which are estimated to be $50 million a year after winnings paid out to participants. The State of Alabama would receive a 4% tax while the local tax would be 8.5% or possibly more. The local tax would go to benefit the County Commission, School Board, Hospital, E 911, fire associations and others.
    There is a second tax on the portion of revenues that go to gaming machine providers. The Sheriff and the Eutaw Police Department would divide these funds.
    Local observers pointed out that these tax provisions would provide Greene County residents with reliable information on the funds flowing through these gaming establishments. At present, the amount of money generated by these facilities is not publically known. “Without transparency on the total amount of funds handled by these gaming entities, there is no way to know how generous they really are in helping agencies and charities in the county,” said Carol Zippert, Greene County School Board member.
    Val Goodson, speaking for the Center for Rural Development, the charity benefiting from Green Charity Bingo said in last year (2015) the facility had $17 million in gross revenues and paid only $402,000 to the charity.
    A five member Greene County Gaming Commission would be named to take over the responsibilities for regulating and administering bingo from the Sheriff, who is designated under the current amendment. Sheriff Jonathan Benison attended the meeting and spoke in strong defense of his work for the past six years in regulating bingo. He echoed the comments of many others that he was not aware of Singleton’s bill and it should have been discussed with Greene County leaders and residents before it was proposed in Montgomery.
    In closing out the meeting Singleton said, “This bingo bill may be our last best hope to save bingo in this county before the Attorney General or someone else comes against us. This is the main reason we made this proposal. We want to help Greene County save and benefit from bingo.”

  • School board retains Dr. James H. Carter as Superintendent

    Dr. Carter

    Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter, Sr.

     

    At its monthly meeting held March 31, 2016, the Greene County Board of Education terminated its superintendent’s search and entered into a two year agreement retaining Dr. James H. Carter, Sr. as Superintendent of Schools.  The new contract goes into effect June 1, 2016.
    Dr. Carter initially came on board with the Greene County School Board in June 2015 as a consultant through the Alabama State Department of Education. He has been serving as Interim Superintendent of the Greene County Schools since September 2015.
    The board commenced its superintendent’s search last June 2015 and when Dr. Carter was asked to serve as the interim superintendent the search was put on hold in August until the following Spring of 2016.
    In less than a year’s time, Dr. Carter has introduced various programs and initiatives to boost the academic and cultural exposure for students. These include developing academic partnerships with the University of Alabama, University of West Alabama and Shelton Community College; adding additional career-tech courses and opening a Performing Arts Program.
    He has also been successful in securing qualified administrators and instructional personnel for the system.  Currently he is directing significant improvements and updates to the structures at the former Peter J. Kirksey Vocational School. At the March board meeting, Interim Superintendent Carter gave the following report:
    * Carver Middle School and Eutaw Primary School will be the sites for the Summer Feeding Program.
    * Summer school will be held the first week in June to the first week in July.  Lunches will be provided for those students enrolled.
    * A two week Academic Academy will also be available for students at each of the schools during the first two week in June.
    * Plans are to explore more academic and athletic scholarships for students.
    * Develop more academic plans for special needs students.* Devise strategies to enhance the menus in the Child Nutrition Program.
    * Allow Dress-Up Day for students and faculty twice a month.
    * Devise action plan to assist students in scoring above 20 on the ACT.
    * Expand course offering at Career Center.
    * Board must sign up as Charter School Authorizer by August 1, 2016.
    * Planning for Virtual School Pilot.
    * Advance Ed will review school system documents regarding accreditation April 17-19.
    * Principals, coaches and bus drivers should be certified in CPR.
    * Planning mentoring and induction program for new teachers.
    * Board work session with TCU scheduled for April 11, 2016.
    * Board is pursuing consolidation of Carver Middle School and Paramount Jr. High. Board will hold community meetings throughout the county to discuss this proposal.
    * Greene County High School graduation set for May 20, 2016, at 7:00 p.m. in the school’s gymnasium.
    In other business the board approved the following Personnel Items as recommended by the superintendent:
    * Employment of the following teachers at Eutaw Primary School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Lashawn Henley; Keshia Williams; Charlease Smith; Brenda Washington.
    * Employment of the following teachers at Paramount Jr. High School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Shante Morton; Sukova Hicks; Felicia Smith; Mona Duncan; Brenda Grant; Tameshia Abrams; Lonia Dancy-Brown.
    * Employment of the following teachers at Carver Middle School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After school tutorial sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Vanessa Bryant; Joseph Polk.
    * Employment of the following teacher at Greene County High School at a rate of $25.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Tonia Sparks.
    Employment of the following bus drivers at a rate of $15.00/hr for After School Tutorial Sessions – Funding Source: Title VI (March 1, 2016 thru March 31, 2016): Ayanna Crawford; Felicia Davis; Jammie Davis; Brendan Gaines; Jaida Goree; Joe Webb.
    Under Administrative Services, the board approved the following recommendations of the Interim Superintendent:
    * School Calendar for 2016-2017 School Year.
    * Development of a school district teacher evaluation instrument commencing with the school year 2016-2017.
    * Reorganization of the administration at Greene County High School.
    * Permission to repair roof at Peter J. Kirksey Vocational Center.
    * Permission to modify Peter J. Kirksey into a bus shop as funds come available.
    * Payment of all bills, claims and payroll.
    Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mr. Leon dowe, CSFO.
    Designate Greene County High School as a storm shelter open to the community.
    The following Instructional Items recommended by the Interim Superintendent were approved by the board:
    * Requirement for all students to take Algebra I & II, Chemistry, and Biology prior to graduation commencing with the 2016-2017 incoming Freshmen students.
    * A 9th Grade Academy at Greene County High commencing with the 2016-2017 school year.
    * Cursive writing course for grades K-2.
    * Financial independence course for grades 6-12 (Banking Course) and develop an agreement with Citizens Trust Bank and Merchants & Farmers Bank to provide support.
    * Course that will encourage students to participate in voting process and to teach them more about local, state and U.S. government.
    * Revision of the Information Guide for Students and Parents.

  • Electronic Bingo Amendment passes out of committee with small changes

    Senator Bobby Singleton contacted the Democrat this week to advise that Senate Bill 340, which amends and changes electronic bingo in Greene County, had been approved in the Senate Tourism Committee and was scheduled for a vote on the floor of the full Senate on next Tuesday, April 5, 2016.
    Singleton said State Representative Artis McCampbell was moving the bill in the House of Representatives for passage by the full body.
    Singleton said that he and McCampbell had made some small changes in SB 340 based on discussions with legislators and other community leaders who contacted them about the bill.
    “We changed the section on the composition of the new Greene County Gaming Commission. There will still be five members. One selected by the Governor and the remaining four by the Legislative delegation. We removed the one to be appointed by the 7th District Congressperson. This means that three or four will be from Greene County,” said Singleton.
    “We met with Senator Sanders and he explained the court ordered settlement agreed between the Sheriff and the County Commission. We have adjusted the percentages for the Greene County Commission to be compatible with this court order,” said Singleton.
    We did not make any other changes in the bill, which still provides for electronic bingo only at a racetrack facility licensed for pari-mutuel wagering in the county. Only Greenetrack qualifies under this definition. The other facilities licensed by the Sheriff would have to close under the current language in SB 340.
    Singleton says, “We really designed this bill to support Greene County residents and owners. We are concerned that some of these facilities have out-of-town owners who drain money out of the county. They do not provide living wages and fringe benefits to their employees. We are looking at the quality of the Greenetrack facility – not the quantity of other facilities which have not benefited Greene County.
    Former Greene County Commissioner William “Nick” Underwood, who is an attorney associated with the River’s Edge Bingo operation writes a letter to the editor this week (see page 4) wherein he disputes Singleton and McCampbell’s rationale for SB 340.

  • Celebration of Hank Sanders’ 1,500th Senate Sketches column held in Selma

    Hank.jpg

    Shown above: Dr. Carol P. Zippert and John Zippert Co-Publishers of Greene County Democrat with Senator Hank Sanders displaying the 1st and 1,500th  Senate Sketches

    On Saturday March 19, 2016 more than a hundred community leaders from around the state of Alabama convened at the Bridge Crossing Theater in Selma to celebrate the writing and publication of the 1,500th Senate Sketches column written by State Senator Hank Sanders.
    Senator Sanders has been writing sketches for fifteen hundred consecutive weeks starting on April 29, 1987. The Greene County Democrat, weekly newspaper published on Wednesdays in Eutaw, Alabama, has printed each Senate Sketches column, in its entirety since the beginning 29 years ago. Each Sketches column has a prologue section which deals with an issue in the Legislature, a community concern, a trip that the Senator took, events in his life and family and other timely and meaningful topics. There is also a “Daily Diary” section, which lists events and people that Senator Sanders has interacted with during the past week. Each column ends with an “Epilogue”, which consists of a short reminder of the lessons learned from the prologue and daily diary sections.
    Senate Sketches is now also circulated on the Internet, published in other newspapers, read on the radio and distributed in other ways but the Greene County Democrat remains the only publication that has printed all 1,500 columns in full.
    The celebration included a reading by a number of people of their favorite Sketches column, special presentations including songs, plaques, poems and comments, and a response by Senator Sanders himself.
    Scott Douglas of the Greater Birmingham Ministries read Sketches # 1437, “An Open Letter to Mr. Charles Barkley”. In this column, Sanders takes the basketball legend to task for statements he made that slavery was not very bad for Black people and its impact is exaggerated.
    Alphonzo Morton III, a science teacher at Greene County High School and adult adviser to the Twenty-first Century Youth Leadership Movement, read Sketches # 905 “Men and Boys” which speaks to the differences, responsibilities and obligations of men as contrasted to boys.
    Sharon Wheeler and her mother, Carolyn Wheeler commented on Sketches #1323 which was a memorial to Kirk Wheeler their father and husband. Sanders delivered these remarks at Wheeler’s funeral.
    Faya Rose Toure (Sanders) did a rap about Senate Sketches, sang some songs, helped some community people to put on a skit as part of the program. Faya Rose was instrumental in planning the celebratory program.
    Carol P. Zippert, Co-Publisher of the Greene County Democrat was Mistress of Ceremonies and John Zippert, Co-Publisher of the Democrat said, “we are pleased and proud to be friends of Senator Sanders and to have published every word of every Senate Sketches column for three decades. I especially enjoy the Daily Diary section which lists the many activities that Senator Sanders is involved in each week.”
    Dave White, a reporter formerly with the Birmingham News praised Sketches, “for its writing and using the newspaper column format to provide very clear ideas in a very clear writing style. He also indicated the great discipline, consistency and perseverance to write a weekly newspaper column for three decades.
    State Senator Vivian Figures of Mobile presented Senator Sanders with a plaque from his Alabama Senate colleagues recognizing the achievement of 1,500 columns. Alabama New South Coalition and other groups presented plaques and acknowledgements to the Senator.
    In his remarks at the conclusion of the program Senator Sanders thanked the many people who help him type, proof read and distribute the Senate Sketches column each week. He said he was thankful and impressed at hearing people read the words of their favorite column to him. “It was a great and powerful experience,” he said.
    The groups in Selma, including the National Voting Rights Museum, Center for Non-Violence, Truth and Reconciliation and the Bridge Crossing Jubilee, compiled a book of the best-loved Senate Sketches, which they sold for $20.00 at the program. If you are interested in purchasing a book, contact the Center for Non-Violence, 8 Mulberry Road, Selma, AL 36703; phone 334/526-4533. Proceeds will go to support on-going community work in Selma and the Alabama Black Belt.

  • Bill based on estimate of $50 million annual gross revenues Proposed Bingo Amendment causes concern and discussion by Greene County leaders

    News Analysis By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher

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    Senate Bill 340, proposed by State Senator Bobby Singleton, which changes the current operation and regulation of electronic bingo in Greene County, has caused much concern, discussion and dissention among county leaders.
    In an exclusive interview with Senator Singleton last week, he said, “Representative McCampbell and I discussed the problems with electronic bingo in Greene County.
    Among them the threat of raids by the state on bingo as illegal gambling; the conflicts between the Sheriff and County Commission, which have led to lawsuits; and the proliferation of bingo parlors which do not employ as many people, at good wages, as when bingo was centralized in one place.”
    Singleton said that he and McCampbell decided to develop a proposed amendment to Greene County’s Amendment 743, authorizing electronic bingo, which would clarify the legality of bingo; require that electronic bingo be played at a licensed racetrack facility where pari-mutuel wagering is currently legal; codify and provide a new formula for the distribution of bingo funds, including a tax (4%) to the State of Alabama and a local gross receipt tax (8.5%) to benefit Greene County government, agencies and non-profits; and move the regulation and administration of electronic bingo from the Sheriff to a new Greene County Gaming Commission. Limiting electronic bingo to a racetrack in Greene County where pari-mutuel wagering is legal, limits the operations to Greenetrack and would likely lead to a phase-out of the other facilities licensed by Sheriff Benison. The owners and employees of these facilities are opposed to this amendment
    Singleton said that he, McCampbell and other members of the Greene County legislative delegation plan to hold public meetings in Greene County to explain the bill and its impacts before a November vote by the citizens of Greene County on the revised Constitutional Amendment. If the proposal passes the Alabama Legislature with no dissenting votes then it only requires a referendum vote in Greene County, however, if there is opposition from one member of the Legislature, then a statewide vote will be required.
    Greene County Sheriff Jonathan Benison is opposed to the bill because it will strip his office of control of electronic bingo. In an open letter, printed in full on page 4, he argues that the legislation will return control of bingo to the 73 for-profit stockholders of Greenetrack to operate as an unfair monopoly.
    Benison points to the impact of his monthly $200 per bingo machine tax and the benefits that the four bingo parlors have generated in income and jobs for the county.
    Benison makes the point that many other public officials in the county and municipalities have made that Singleton and McCampbell did not publicize, discuss or seek input on their proposal before introducing it in the Alabama Legislature. Benison says in his letter, “it was introduced in a stealth manner designed to catch people off guard.” Singleton says that he and McCampbell were concerned that bingo was a target for state action and wanted to head this off.
    The bill clarifies and legally allows electronic bingo “on any machine or device that is authorized by the National Gaming Regulatory Act by 25 U. S. C. Section 2701, and which is operated by any Native American tribe in Alabama.”  This would legalize any electronic bingo machine or device, which was approved by the Federal government for use in Indian casinos, to be used in Greene County.
    The proposed revised amendment calls for distribution of funds for a state gross receipts tax (4%) and a local gross receipts tax (8.5%) on gaming revenues at the racetrack operating bingo. These taxes would be levied on the gross revenues, which are defined as the total amount of money played on the electronic machines less the value of prizes and winnings paid to the players. The gross figure would be determined before costs of operating the bingo facilities were applied.
    Singleton said in the interview, that “he estimates the annual gross revenues from electronic bingo would be at least $50 million and may be 20 to 30% higher.” Based on this estimate the State of Alabama would receive $2 million or more in new tax revenues per year from bingo in Greene County.

    The local gross receipts tax of 8.5% would generate  $4.25 million in revenues, which would be divided as follows:

    • .5% to the Greene County Racing Commission to license and regulate bingo:

    • .5% to the Greene County Commission;

    • 1.5%  to Greene County Commission for municipalities in Greene County, based on  population;

    • .5% to the Greene County Firefighters Association;

    •  2 % to the Greene County Board of Education;

    • .5% to the Greene County E-911 Communications District;

    •  1% to the Greene County Hospital and Nursing Home;

    •  .25% to Greene County Industrial Development Board;

    •  .25% to Greene County Ambulance Service;

    •  .75% to the Greene County Housing Authority;

    •  .75% to the Greene County Gaming  Commission, for     distribution to non-profit organizations, that provide  services to residents of Greene County.

    Some agencies will receive more than they are receiving now and others, like the Greene County Commission and the Sheriff’s Office, will receive less.
    One benefit of this plan is that the people of Greene County will know the gross revenues generated by bingo and exactly how they are being distributed. Currently the total gross revenue going through the four licensed bingo parlors is not publically available.
    The new Greene County Gaming Commission will consist of five (5) members, all of whom must reside in the Seventh Congressional District and at least two must be residents of Greene County. The Commission will be named as follows: one by the Governor, one by the Congressperson, one by the State Senator and two by the State Representatives in the delegation. Some feel this will take control of bingo out of the hands of Greene County citizens and allow other people to make critical decisions for Greene County.

  • GCHS Chapter of National Honor Society inducts 14 students

    National Honor Society

    The Eunice R. Outland Chapter of the National Honor Society of Greene County High School inducted 14 students at its ceremony held Friday, March 11, 2016 in the GCHS gymnasium. The 2015-2016 Inductees included Yasmeen Amerson, Delorine Brown, Zakia Coleman, Tukiya Cunningham, Keyonna Dixon, Sabrina French, Jameria Hood, Victoria Hood, Leterria Hutton, Anthony McGee, Lauren Smith, Christopher Stepney, Kwanza Watkins and Jasmine Williams.
    GCHS Principal Gary Rice opened the program and invited Interim Superintendent Dr. James H. Carter to bring greetings.
    Ollivara Hutton, current President of the GCHS Chapter of NHS, served as Mistress of Ceremony.  Other program participants included Greene County High School choir and band and Posting of Colors by the JROTC.  Amber French gave the mediation and the welcome and history of NHS were presented by Amber Woods and Michael Winn respectively.  Tyra Hutton and Destini Jackson gave the history of the chapter’s name.  N’Khala Richardson presented the student speakers.  Words of Encouragement were shared by Ashley Taylor, Denzel Davis, and Chelsey Davis. Lighting of the Candles representing the Principles of the NHS were presented as follows:  Lauren Smith, Knowledge of Honor; Christopher Stepney, Character; Delorine Brown, Scholarship; Zakia Coleman, Leadership; and Tukiya Cunningham, Service.  Mr. Alphonzo Morton, III led the inductees in the recitation of the pledge.
    School Board President, Mr. Leo Branch, gave congratulatory comments before the close of the program.
    Current officers of the GCHS Chapter of NHS are: President, Ollivara Hutton; Vice President, Ashley Taylor; Secretary, Tyra Hutton; Treasurer, Denzel Davis; Parliamentarian Michael Winn; and Historian, Destini Jackson. Other members include Nnambi Coleman, Chelsey Davis, Brittany Deloatch, Amber French, Raven Gilliam, Sara Hawkins, Jeremy Mobley, N’khala Richardson and Amber Woods.
    The Faculty Council include Lillian Lewis, Advisor; Alphonzo Morton, III, Co-Advisor; Ruby Bell, Halven Carodine, Angela Harkness, Tonia Sparks and Tamika Thompson.

  • Attempt to legalize Sunday alcohol sales in county fails

    At its March 14, 2016 meeting, the Greene County Commission defeated an attempt to legalize the Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages in the county.  The motion for the same was presented by Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr. and seconded by Commissioner Corey Cockrell.  Voting against the proposal were Commissioners Tennyson Smith, Michael Williams and Lester Brown.
    The financial report including budget adjustments were presented by Mrs. Paula Bird, Finance Director.  Bird’s budget adjustments indicated that Sheriff Jonathan Benison will increase his supplement toward the Sheriff and Jail Budget in the amount of $133,360.  Previously budgeted amount of $44,500 was for the final payment on six sheriff department vehicles making a total supplement of $177,860 for this fiscal year ending September 30, 2016.
    Finance Director Bird presented other revenue changes in the General Fund 001 account:  Increase in the bingo payroll line item represents the amount the sheriff previously paid for the Temporary Restraining Order payroll through the first payroll in January. According to Bird,  “The ‘revenue’ increase for a transfer in from the Bingo funds that we are anticipating for the 8 months ending 9/30/16 in the amount of $258,800 will cover $244,397 of the increased Sheriff and Jail Budget ($133,360 + 244,397 = $377,757 increased expenditure budget). The remaining $14,403 transfer covers the last payroll in January for the TRO employees.”   Expenditures changes reported by Bird included the following: Sheriff Budget increase $222,808.45; Jail Budget increase $154,948.77; TRO Employee payroll costs through January $139,587.02; Fund 050 where county deposits bingo proceeds – Transfer into General Fund $258,800  (To cover Sheriff and Jail Budget Increases); Transfer into Matching Aid $432,000 (Fund used for road projects).
    In other business the county acted on the following:
    * Approved retail beer license application of Hazam LLC dba Clinton Food Mart.
    * Approved levying of 2016 Alcohol License fee.
    * Approved TECTA American for courthouse roof replacement.
    * Approved Engineer’s request for bridge projects – Flag Road, County Roads 220 and 69.
    * Approved job description modification for equipment operator I, II, and III.
    * Approved loan from Merchants & Farmers Bank for two Mack trucks and one Low Boy.
    * Approved payment of mileage to Homeland Security for repair of equipment.
    Approved travel for staff conferences and training workshops.
    Tabled consideration of work at Montgomery Recreation Center in Knoxville.
    Tabled Miles College Building request.
    The meeting adjourned.  There was no public comment.