The Greene County Democrat

Category: Community

  • Eutaw Police and Sheriff Dept. report arrests and incidents

    Eutaw Police and Sheriff Dept. report arrests and incidents

    Eutaw Police Department reported the following arrests.

    • 4/2- Phillip Williams of Eutaw was arrested for public intoxication, disorderly conduct and making terrorist threats.
    • 4/3-Keisha Hill Epps of Boligee was arrested for public intoxication.
    • 4/5-Charlie Naylon of Eutaw was arrested on for criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
    • 4/11-Kevone Carpenter of Eutaw was arrested for on a warrants with the Eutaw Police Department.
    • 4/12-Eddie Purse of Boligee was arrested for theft of property 4th degree and criminal mischief 3rd degree.

    Eutaw Police Department reported the following incidents.

    • 4/8-Samuel Morton reported assaulted 3rd degree. 4/8-Richard Winn reported menacing.
    • 4/8-Charette Thomas reported theft of property 4th degree. Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following arrests.
    • 4/13- Chyloon Spencer 46, of Demopolis, Al was arrested for sexual misconduct. chief 3rd degree. Items Damaged: Bedroom window value unknown; Item Stolen:Bathroom Items valued at $30; Assorted Food valued at $200; Yellow Five Gallon container filled with gas value unknown; Binoculars valued at $267.
    • 4/14-Richard Winn of Eutaw was arrested.
    • 4/14-Antonio Carpenter of Eutaw was arrested for theft of property 4th degree. 4/17-Paris France reported harassing communication. 4/21-Justin Colvin reported harassment and menacing.
    • 4/13- Miah Armour 26, of Eutaw, AL was arrested for harassing communication and released on a bond of $1,000.
    • 4/20- Shannquilya Davis 32 of Eutaw, AL was arrested for assault 1st degree and released on a bond of $25,000.

    The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following incidents.

    • 3/23- Ronnie Harless reported burglary 1st degree, theft of property 4th degree and criminal mis
    • 4/10- Tiana Jones reported harassment.
    • 4/15- Ivory Pickens reported theft of property:
      • Item Stolen: Trash can value unknown.

    The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following bond.

    • 4/20- Chyloon Spencer bonded out on a $3,000.00 bond for Sexual Misconduct

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  • Commission Continues to Support the EMS 

    Commission Continues to Support the EMS 

    The Wednesday night county commission work session had a variety of constituents from multiple organizations. All board members were present to share reports on their districts and thank the citizens of Greene County for their continued support, patience, and generosity. 

    Commissioner Chair Spencer began the session by addressing a citizen’s concerns regarding the need for a unified Parks and Recreation board. Spencer stated that a revamp was to ensure “the county and city come together.” The commission welcomes input from citizens regarding potential summer uses of the Robert Young Center. 

    Following brief comments from the remaining commissioners, Spencer yielded the floor to Hospital Manager Roderick William. Williams came to announce that Wallace Community College in Selma is giving a grant to train students in Eutaw for the workforce. Wallace’s President, Dr. Donitha Griffin, was in attendance with the Workforce Development  Coordinator, Brandi Dannelly, to detail the purpose of the grant. “We’re looking for every opportunity to employ people from the Black Belt,” Dr. Griffin began, “We know that we have resilient people.” The program will train students for healthcare positions, trades, and more. 

    Discussions shifted to the EMS ambulance service. Although the service recently received $18,000 from a fundraiser organized by Faye Tire, it still needs financial assistance. Commissioner Turner voiced concerns about the commission’s continued financial support for EMS services. “EMS has exhausted its resources; they’re in a hole to make payroll.” Turner reminded his fellow commissioners that they have yet to recoup part of the $88,000 advance they gave the EMS this past December, as the fundraiser funds were for vehicle repairs and other immediate needs. Commissioner Johnson responded to his concerns by saying, “We’re in a place where we can help them, so let’s help them.” Spencer also chimed in on the importance of continuing to support EMS services for the safety of the county’s citizens. “We have to keep this service open because the next person to need an ambulance may be you.”

    The floor was then opened for a discussion with Valeria Walkins regarding a Summer Nutrition Program. The program is intended to provide produce on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis to citizens in Greene County. Walkins is requesting $4,000 to cover the program’s induction this summer, as she has already used her own funds to secure a truck for distribution. “Everyone needs fruits and vegetables,” she stated. Walkins hopes to help local families and older people sustain themselves amidst rising food costs.  

    Finally, the President of the Greene County Historical Society, Julia Burke, came to request the “sole responsibility” for the Mesopotamia Female Seminary building, located right outside Greene County. The society is interested in preserving the building, with the hope that it will become a museum, as the college was a pioneer in women’s education in the county. Dr. Lloyd Dawe joined her to present the full proposal to the commission. He highlighted the society’s relationship with “great engineers” and their access to grants that the commission cannot apply for. “Greene County has a progressive history that we all should be proud of,” Dr. Dawe stated. The historical society is committed to turning the building into a museum on civil rights and women’s equality. Burke ended the proposal with a plea, “Please give us the opportunity to save this building.” Spencer replied that a public hearing will be held to gather input from the county’s citizens. 

    Greene County’s commission deliberates responsibly and respectfully for the well-being of all citizens. The commission welcomes and encourages the community to attend these public meetings to stay informed about its progress. 

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  • Alabama and Japan Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship

    Alabama and Japan Celebrate 40 Years of Friendship

    Consul General Kenichi Matsuda and Honorary Consul General of Japan, Mark B. Jackson, at the Sakura Festival in Snow Hinton Park

    The Japanese American Society of Alabama (JASA) hosted the 40th Annual Sakura Festival in Snow Hinton Park to celebrate the economic and cultural connection between the two countries. The festival featured performances, games, snacks, and ceremonies prominent in Japanese culture.

    The beginning of economic ties between Japan and Alabama began in the 1970s and 1980s with the establishment of the Alabama Development Office, which established a Tokyo trade office to attract Japanese investors. The trade office allowed a direct link for Japanese business operations to receive support in Alabama, fostering the need for an organization like JASA to maintain cooperative relationships. In 1999, the organization’s efforts to bridge the gap between cultures resulted in an economic milestone with Honda announcing its first assembly plant in Talladega County. Since then, Japan’s economic influence in Alabama has generated thousands of jobs and investments that have surpassed ten billion dollars.

    Seeing the importance of Japan maintaining relationships, JASA sought to fortify a cultural understanding of Japan.

    It is no secret that Japan is a country with a unique way of life centered on humility and respect. Many customs in Japan require humbling oneself with constant consideration for those who are older or in higher positions of authority. Greetings are soft spoken and involve bowing, the complete opposite of an energetic, southern greeting with a handshake. JASA knew that “Alabama should understand and embrace not only Japanese business concepts and expectations but also cultural and educational issues.”

     

    A person wearing a blue kimono-style outfit dances in a field, holding a fan with writing on it. Others are dancing in the background under a clear blue sky.
    Awa Odori Dance Elaina Agnello

    The Sakura Festival itinerary and stalls were rich with Japanese culture, including information and graphics about Tuscaloosa’s sister city in Japan, Norishino. After a warm welcome, Honorary Consul General of Japan Mark B. Jackson took to the stage. “This is the most honorable thing I’ve been doing,” he stated. Jackson has represented Alabama in Japan for over a decade and deeply appreciates the Japanese way of life. Once he finished addressing the crowd, he welcomed Consul General Kenichi Matsuda, who flew in from Japan for the event. Matsuda is grateful for the “southern hospitality” and welcoming atmosphere he can experience here in the States. He is committed to doing his “utmost to further advance the friendship and partnership between our two nations.” The two participated in a sake barrel-breaking ceremony to signify harmony and good fortune.

    Jackson and Matsuda in the sake barrel breaking ceremony

    Alongside friendship meetings and festivals, JASA sends students to Japan in an exchange program over the summer to further understand education. The program sends twenty high school students to Japan in June to stay with families, and the Japanese students return with them in July for two weeks as well. This exchange is imperative for the current generations to appreciate what each culture offers to the other. As Executive Director of Tuscaloosa Sister Cities International, Shelley Corrill said, “How can you not love each other when you’re eating barbecue or sushi together?”

    The relationship between Japan and Alabama is a vital component of the state’s economy. Companies like Daikin, Toray, and various automotive suppliers have a strong impact on the automotive and manufacturing markets, especially in Birmingham, Huntsville, and Decatur. Without Japan’s friendship, thousands would go unemployed. JASA’s continued efforts remind us of the importance of working with other nations instead of against them. In the words of Honorary Consul Jackson, “It’s all about one word—relationships.”

    To learn more about JASA and future cultural events, visit https://japanalabama.com/

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  • Alabama New South Alliance holds spring endorsement convention

    Alabama New South Alliance holds spring endorsement convention

    Shelley Fearson of ANSA presents Garria Spencer, Greene County ANSC chair, with plaques of appreciation for John and Carol Zippert. 

    Members from Alabama New South Alliance (ANSA), which involves many members of the Alabama New South Coalition, gathered on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Maggie Street Dream Center, 642 Maggie Street Montgomery, AL for the Spring Endorsement Convention.

    After hearing from Statewide, Congressional, District Candidates and other positions with multiple counties, ANSA endorsed the following candidates for the May 19, 2026, Primary Election.

    • Governor– Doug Jones Lt.
    • Governor– Phillip Ensler
    • United States Senator– Everett Wess
    • Public Service Commission Place No. 1– James O. Gordon
    • Public Service Commission Place No. 2– Shelia McNeil
    • State Auditor– Viola Edwards
    • Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries– Ron Sparks
    • Associate Justice of the Supreme Court– Ashleigh Dunham
    • US Representative Congressional District 3– Lee McInnis
    • Alabama House of Representatives #72–Curtis Travis
    • Alabama House of Representatives #69–Kelvin Lawrence Judge Collins Pettaway Jr., Presiding Chair.

    The Alabama New South Alliance County Chapters will endorse candidates in Greene County on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Garria Spencer serves as ANSC Chairman.

  • Re-Elect Ms. Carrie Dancy, A Voice for the People

    Re-Elect Ms. Carrie Dancy, A Voice for the People

    Serving this community on the Greene County School Board for many years hasn’t just been a job for me; It has been a calling. As I seek re-election, I don’t do so claiming to be perfect. I do so as a leader who has been tested, who has learned from the past, and who is more determined that ever to make a lasting difference for our students and our families.

    Over the years, I have had to make difficult choices. I am fully aware that some of those decisions have been met with disagreement. In public services, there is rarely a path that pleases everyone, but there is always a part that puts the people first.

    When I cast a vote, I am not looking at personal gain, politics, or the easiest way out. I am looking at the faces of the children in our classrooms and the taxpayers who fund their future. My “past” in the office is a record of someone willing to take the heat if it means standing up for what I believe in right. My goal has never been to be the most popular person in the room – it has been to be the most principled.

    I have always believed in transparency and growth. While I’ve had my share of challenges, I have worked tirelessly to maintain a clean slate and uphold the integrity of this board, I don’t run from my history; I use it as foundation to be better, sharper and more dedicated every single day. I am not rich. I am a representative for the people. I am the voice of community.

    Keep a “clean house” isnt’ just a phrase to me it’s a commitment to ensuring that our school system operates with the highest standards. You deserve a representative who is as hard on themselves as they are on the system they oversee.

    We are at a crossroad in our district. Now is not the time for guesswork or on the-job-training. My years of experience mean I know how to navigate the complexties of our budget, how to support our teachers, and to ensure every student-regardless of their background- has a fair shot at success.

    I am re-running because I want to make a difference. I have the track record proves that I have made a diference. I have the energy of a newcomer and the wisdom of a veteran. I am asking for your vote not just because of where we’ve been, but because of where I know we can go together.

    Let’s keep working. Let’s keep pushing, and above all, let’s keep putting our people first.

    This is your candidate for re-election for Greene County School Board District 5, Ms. Carrie Dancy.

  • School Board Meeting Announcement

    Board Meeting NoticeDownload
  • Courthouse Commemoration ensures Civil Rights legacies carry on

    Courthouse Commemoration ensures Civil Rights legacies carry on

    by Managing Editor Maya Quinn

    This past Sunday, April 5th, Spiver Gordon held a commemoration program to honor civil rights leaders in observance of the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr’s assassination. The program was held in the William M. Branch courthouse, a building rich with its own civil rights history. Dr. Carolyn Branch set the occasion with her passionate talk about local, national, and international connections to MLK’s legacy to our nation’s current political struggles, such as voting rights.

    John Zippert began the presentations by introducing the audience to Joanne Bland. Bland is known as the youngest civil rights activist to have ever been jailed at eight years old alongside her grandmother, who was attempting to register to vote. After this instance, Bland was jailed thirteen times by the age of eleven during further demonstrations against the administration keeping Black adults from voting. Zippert highlighted her remarkable activism in Selma, Alabama, during Bloody Sunday and for bringing MLK and the SCLC into the Selma Voting Rights struggle. She’d been honored for her commitments to civil rights by Representative Terry Sewell on the House Floor when she passed away on February 19, 2026. 

    Rev. Dr. William M. Branch, III, spoke about his father, William Branch, the namesake of the courthouse. He honored him for his kindness towards White citizens, even during the height of the Voting Rights Movement in Greene County. Branch was certain that kindness toward everyone would ultimately result in a civil and peaceful path forward in today’s political climate.

    Dr. Monty Thornburg gave remarks about Dr. Brown by providing a photo booklet titled “50 Years of Exile”. The document highlighted foot soldiers like Robert Brown, Spiver Gordon, and Lorenzo French, who were attacked in an attempt to erase Black History. Dr. Thornburg also reminded everyone that Elder Gordon made Brown’s monument and the renaming of the Robert Brown Middle School possible in 2016, fifty years from when Dr. Brown was “exiled” to Tishabee. “We wouldn’t  be here if it weren’t for Spiver preserving all this history.”

    Elder Spiver Gordon recounted the work of Dr. Bernard Lafayette, a Baptist minister and civil rights leader who also played a role in the Selma Voting Rights Movement. Lafayette founded the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) to mobilize students with peaceful and direct action protests like those demonstrated during Freedom Summer of 1964. Elder Gordon recalled moments where Lafayette was called derogatory caricatures like Uncle Tom, yet he maintained his composure and prayed for those disgruntled. 

    The final presenter was John Cashin, the son of the National Democratic Party of Alabama (NDPA) founder John L. Cashin, Jr. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, John Cashin Jr. was a dentist, civil rights campaigner, running for governor against George Wallace.  He led the NDPA to respond to regular racism in the Alabama Democratic Party that prevented Black citizens from running for office. His lawsuit against the Alabama Democratic Party was brought to the U.S. Supreme Court, which allowed a special election on July 29, 1969, to give Black citizens the freedom to become political leaders. Several presenters fondly remember Cashin for giving them their first airplane ride with an airplane that would buzz Spiver Gordon’s house to be picked up at the Eutaw Airport when he came to Greene County. The legacy of the Cashin family and pre- “Jim Crow” segregation was highlighted, along with John’s mother being a substantial civil rights leader as well.

    State Assemblyman Curtis Travis gave finishing remarks about carrying on the work of the civil rights leaders who were honored, and Rev. Dr. William M. Branch III gave a final prayer. This program and many others organized by Spiver ensure civil rights legends in Alabama are not forgotten. The tradition of sharing stories is essential in inspiring the current generation to continue the great work of their ancestors.

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  • Town of Boligee dedicates New Substation to Greene County Sheriff Department

    Town of Boligee dedicates New Substation to Greene County Sheriff Department

    In a small ceremony held at the Boligee Community Center, the mayor and town council of Boligee officially dedicated a new substation for the Greene County Sheriff’s Department. Located within the Boligee Community Center, the facility will serve as a vital hub for law enforcement, strengthening public safety and enhancing the department’s presence in the community.

    “This marks an important step toward a safer Boligee. It is only fitting to provide a dedicated space for Sheriff Benison and his staff, whose financial contributions played a key role in making the purchase of this building possible,” said Mayor Hattie M. Samuels.

    The office is not manned 24/7. For assistance or to have a patrol care meet dial 205-372-1854 of for emergencies, dial 911.

  • EMS Ambulance Fundraiser “Superbowl Pastor program” huge success

    EMS Ambulance Fundraiser “Superbowl Pastor program” huge success

    by Faye Tyree and Maya Quinn

    To God be the glory
    great things he has done

    The EMS ambulance is a crucial and essential service in Greene County that is in desperate need of funding. “As a concerned citizen of Greene County and the City of Eutaw, I wanted to help the ambulance service because they have been here for me when I needed them”, Ms. Faye began, “I wanted to do my little part, so I started a raffle fundraiser on January 13, 2026.” The winners were drawn on Sunday morning, March 29, by two employees of the EMS Ambulance Service in front of the EMS building. “Our hard work paid off in a big way,” Ms. Faye exclaimed as she announced the raffle donation total of $5,155. 

    The second part of the fundraiser, the Super Bowl Pastors program, was held on Sunday evening, March 29, 2026, at New Generation Church to honor the Pastor Samuel Ezell, Faye Tyree, Pastor Randy Miller, and Pastor Eugene Foster (not pictured), who rallied their congregations to support the cause. Pastor Joe Webb served as Master of the Ceremony with Pastor Randy Miller & Choir, Mt. Zion, Mt. Heborn, Pastor Eugene Foster & Choir, Second Baptist, Eutaw, Pastor Samuel Ezell and Choir, Zion Brush Creek, and Friendship in attendance. 

    These pastors, churches, and citizens showed that we can come together and work for the good of all people. The Super Bowl pastors “went into Overtime” in a big way by raising $13,011, bringing the total of funds raised to $18,166. Ms. Faye and the EMS Ambulance service wanted to thank Spiller Furniture Store for donating the top prize, and the citizens who donated a $500 cash prize (2nd prize) and a $50 gift card (3rd prize). They also extend their deepest gratitude to everyone who sold and bought tickets. 

  • Strengthening Families One Week at a Time

    Strengthening Families One Week at a Time

    Tuesday night marked the beginning of Greene County’s Strengthening Families spring session at Branch Heights Activity Center. The 14-week program aims to strengthen parenting skills and provide behavioral intervention for children and teens. Program coordinator Mrs. Mildred J. Morgan welcomed students and parents with a lovely barbecue sandwich dinner and an overview of the program. 

    Attendees were split into three separate classrooms: children, youth, and parents. Each classroom held introductions and an age-based topic for the group. Daisy Hutton, teacher leader for ages 5 to 11, highlighted the program’s impact for curbing challenging and dangerous behaviors. She stated that the Honorable Lillie Jones-Osborne asked her to join the program 10 years ago to volunteer as a teacher for the children’s class. Hutton commented that Judge Osbourne would order families to attend the program as a disciplinary intervention. “This program is about keeping the kids away from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. It’s about teaching them to respect authority,” Hutton stated. 

    The youth class for middle school children and teens was led by Geraldine Walton, former program director for West Alabama Headstart from 1998 to 2012. Walton learned about the strengthening families program in 2022. “I love meeting the students and hearing about their lives,” Walton commented. She led the teens in a discussion about their dreams and how to set goals. Next week, students will discuss one step they can take to fulfill their visions.

    Mrs. Morgan led the parent classroom meeting. She emphasized that all discussions from the parent class will remain confidential and equip parents with tools to reinforce positive behaviors. She stated that the space would be like a therapy session to assist with stress management. Parents were encouraged to hold weekly family meetings so everyone could voice concerns and plan for the week ahead. 

    The program will meet every Tuesday at 5:00 pm, serving dinner and new topics of discussion. Upon completion of the program, a ceremony will be held for parents and students on June 20th, 2026. Mrs. Morgan encourages families to come out each week with potential door prizes underway.