Greene County Democrat

Tag: EMS

  • 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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  • 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. 

  • Greene County Commission meets, approves way for the public to support ambulance services

    Greene County Commission meets, approves way for the public to support ambulance services

    The Greene County Commission met on Monday, March 9, 2026, for its regular monthly meeting. Three commissioners were present for the roll call: Garria Spencer, Chair, Tennyson Smith and Allen Turner. The other two commissioners: Latasha Johnson and Roshonda Summerville arrived late and participated in the meeting when they arrived.

    The meeting began with a report from Assistant Engineer Culliver, who asked that the Commission approve a resolution designating Noah’s Way as a county road for repair and maintenance purposes. The road is in District 5, and Commissioner Summerville has been trying for some time to get the road designated as a county road. At the earlier Commission work session, the status of Noah’s Way was discussed. The Commissioners decided to send the official decision to the Commission meeting, where the resolution was adopted.

    Culliver asked the Commission to approve the agreement with ALDOT to pursue the TAP grant to redo the sidewalks on the interior of the Old Courthouse Square, now named for Sheriff Thomas Gilmore. This project will complement the Street Scape project, which was completed last year by the City of Eutaw on the outside perimeter of the Thomas Gilmore Square.

    The TAP grant, which totals over a million dollars with an 80% state grant and 20% matching for engineering and construction, will redo all of the interior sidewalks on the square. This will make it easier for the many people who use this pathway to exercise and stay healthy.


    The third item on the agenda, which dealt with approving a contract for a Water Park Administration and Engineering firm to help design a “splash pad for children,” was tabled.

    The Commission approved travel for the Engineer and Assistant Engineer to attend a training conference on May 5 and 6 at Perdido Beach.

    The next item was added to the agenda at the meeting. Legal Counsel Mark Parnell proposed that the commission could establish an account, under the Commission’s General Fund, where individuals and businesses could contribute to support the ambulance service and have their contribution be tax-deductible, since the Commission and the ambulance service are public corporations – providing a service, not trying to be for-profit. The resolution creating a fund for contributions to the ambulance service was approved.