Greene County Democrat

Tag: Charlie McAlpine

  • Charity Days provide $116,00 in grants Greene County Racing Commission distributes $720,000 for first 2 quarters of 2025

    Front Row – Commissioner Donald F. Means, Commissioner Linette Brown, Commissioner Morris Hardy, State Representative Curtis Travis Back Row – Johnny Isaac, Lameka Bryant, Cortnei Hood, Mollie Rowe, Reginald Spencer, Marquita Lennon, Christopher Jones, Marcia Pugh, Andrea Woods, Charlie McAlpine, Miriam Leftwich, Darlene Robinson, Johnnie Knott, Marilyn Gibson, Brandon Merriweather, Hodges Smith, Hattie Samuel, Howard Crawford, James Morrow, Teresa M Atkins, Brenda Burke, Anita Lewis.

    The Greene County Racing Commission (Linette Brown–Chairperson, Morris Hardy–Vice-Chairman, and Donald Means–Secretary), was joined by Alabama State Representative Curtis Travis, legal counsel Brenda M. Pompey, Esq., and Office Manager Gerry Coleman on August 8, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. to welcome recipients of its 2025 Charity Awards disbursements. Also, welcomed were recipients of disbursements under Senate Bill #40, Act No. 223-206 (“Bill”) for the first and second quarters of 2025. These awards were made possible through proceeds generated from licensed gaming activities at the Palace.
    Chairperson Brown explained that the Racing Commission hold two charity days each year – one in March and one in July – which are advertised approximately two weeks in advance. The funds raised during these events make up the money distributed as charity disbursements. The Commission’s goal is to assist as many qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations as possible that provide vital services to the community. These organizations offer a range of support, including health initiatives, food drives, parenting and adoption guidance, housing assistance, youth development and camps; fire and emergency services, educational, and social services. The Racing Commission encourages everyone to support charity days at the Palace.
    This year, the Racing Commission was proud to support a total of 12 charities, including the Greene County Volunteer Fire Association which represents 14 volunteer fire departments. Chairperson Brown said, “We’re proud to support the important work being done across our communities, and we recognize the impact these funds have for those in need.” The Commission remains committed to ensuring that these proceeds benefit organizations that align with its mission to promote public welfare and community enrichment. The total amount for charity this year was $116, 500.00.
    The second group of disbursements, based on the Bill, covered both the first and second quarters of 2025. Under the Bill, each recipient’s percentage is determined by legislation. Chairperson Brown reminded the mayors representing the various municipalities across Greene County of the importance of encouraging their constituents to complete the Census survey, as each municipality’s award is determined by its population – the larger the population, the larger the award.
    The Statement of Distribution details the amounts allocated to each recipient under the Bill. The distributed for the first two quarters of 2025 was $720,000.00.
    Future allocations under the Bill will be made quarterly, subject to the continued availability of funds. The Commission has requested that the Greene County Commission issue payments within the next 10 days (by August 18th) to recipients who receive funds under the Bill.
    On behalf of the Greene County Racing Commission, Chairperson Brown said, “Though it’s been a long time coming, the Commission is grateful that the road has led to this moment, where we can give back to the people of Greene County. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank the citizens of Greene County for their patience, kindness, and support along the way. Every bit of the funds shared today is meant for the citizens of Greene County, and for the good of the county we all call home.”
    Chairperson Brown thanked everyone for attending, for the work they do in their communities, and for their continued partnership. She said the Racing Commission looks forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will make in our county.
    Linette Brown, Chairperson
    Morris Hardy, Vice-Chairman
    Donald F. Means, Secretary

     

     

  • Charlie McAlpine: Forkland-born leader seeking third term on a foundation of delivering results

     

    FORKLAND, Ala. —I, Charlie McAlpine, a native son and dedicated public servant,announced my run for a third term as Mayor of Forkland. Raised in this community by parents who believed in service and hard work, I embody the hometown values of integrity and commitment.
    Since winning my first term in a runoff election in December 2016, my administration has led Forkland into a new era of development and civic pride—focused squarely on tangible improvements for residents. Rooted in Forkland Heritage: Graduating from Paramount High School and an alumnus of Alabama A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, furthering my education with a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Non-Profit Management. I hold numerous certifications in Training, Leadership and Management. I retired after working 37 years with USDA, serving as a Soil Conservationist, District Conservationist, Non-Profit Coordinator, and as the Coordinator of Resource Conservation & Development Programs (RC&D). For 20 years, my responsibilities included writing, implementing, and executing all Federal and State Grant Programs for Rural Community Development. Upon completing my training at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, D.C.—the U.S. State Department’s in house academy for language, area, and professional tradecraft instruction — I spent three years in Afghanistan under the Obama administration, headed by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, appointed as an Agriculture Advisor / Expert. In that role, I led agriculture reconstruction programs, coordinating with the NATO led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF)—a multinational deployment involving contributions from some forty to fifty countries to revitalize rural livelihoods, irrigation systems, and agri value chains. I bring unmatched expertise to municipal leadership. After retiring, I returned home to manage my family’s Beef Farm Operation.
    I am seeking a third term to continue the mission of turning promises into progress. With experience, integrity, and a deep bond with Forkland’s residents, I offer both a proven record, a renewed momentum and well-educated administration.
    For voters who value results, accountability, and steady leadership grounded in hometown values, I, Charlie McAlpine, stand ready to serve again.

    A Vision for the Future

  • Town of Forkland has a new mayor, Charlie McAlpine

    In a special municipal run-off election held Tuesday, December 13, 2016, Charlie McAlpine was elected as Mayor of Forkland, Alabama with 167 votes to Johnny L. Isaac’s 100 votes. The District 5 council seat went to Willie Sashington who received 27 votes to Sam Isaac’s 20 votes.
    The municipal run-off elections previously scheduled, across the county for October 4, 2016, were cancelled for the Town of Forkland by the incumbent Mayor Ollie Vester, who decided to seek a recount after the appropriate dateline for a recount had passed. Vester had sought re-election as mayor in the municipal election held August 23, 2016, but had not made the run-off.
    Reportedly, Vester postponed the Oct. 4 run-off elections despite instructions from the Alabama League of Municipalities to proceed with the election. These delays resulted in the recently held special run-off election on Dec. 13.
    The Forkland Council Members are: District 1, Joe Lewis Tuck; District 2, Christopher Armstead; District 3, Preston Davis; District 4, Samitria Gray; District 5, Willie Sashington.
    The Forkland Town Mayor Charlie McAlpine and Council Members will take office on January 2, 2017.