The Greene County Democrat

Tag: Eutaw

  • Eutaw celebrated America’s 250th anniversary

    Eutaw celebrated America’s 250th anniversary

    By Maya Quinn, managing editor

    On Saturday, June 27th in Eutaw’s Historic District, the Greene County Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce sponsored an event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. The celebration featured a parade, a special presentation, a barbecue luncheon, and a fireworks show. 

    The parade began down Boligee Street and circled the historic district with horse-drawn wagons, classic cars, and other vehicles operated by Greene County citizens. Following the parade, a presentation was orchestrated by the historical society. The presentation featured singing by the children’s choir and Loretta Webb-Wilson, recognition of veterans with a memorial wreath, and a speech by keynote speaker Chief Warrant Officer Five Darren L. Cook (retired).

    The Democrat was able to interview Councilwoman and committee member of the historical society Carrie Logan. She was inspired to help organize the event to share the stories that make the community unique. “The City of Eutaw, the Greene County Historical Society and the Chamber of Commerce all recognize that preserving our history and investing in our future go hand in hand,” she began. “Community events like this strengthen local pride while encouraging economic development and tourism.”

    When asked why hold a celebration here, Logan stated that it was important to celebrate in Eutaw’s historic district because it is the heart of the community. “It represents generations of history, architecture, and culture that deserve to be appreciated and preserved. Holding the celebration there allowed participants to experience the beauty and significance of the district firsthand rather than simply hearing about it. It also highlighted the importance of preserving these historic spaces while encouraging people to visit downtown, support local businesses, and see the district as a vibrant place where history continues to come alive.”

    When asked why Cook was chosen as the keynote speaker Logan stated that the organizers wanted a speaker “who could connect history with hope for the future—someone who understood the value of community, leadership, and service.” She was impacted by Cook’s words as they served as a reminder that “every community can shape its future by valuing its past, investing in its people, and working together.”

    Logan also informed us that The Greene County Historical Society will be hosting its annual Tour of Homes on October 3rd, 2026.

    Featured Image: Chief Warrant Officer Five Darren L. Cook (retired)

  •  Eutaw Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2025

     Eutaw Annual Drinking Water Quality Report 2025

    Eutaw Water 2025 CCR.docxDownload
  • City Council authorizes CDBG application to pave new roads

    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:

    1. Accept the Four-Factor Analysis for Limited English Proficiency Persons: CDBG Program
    2. Approve the Sample Citizen Participation Plan CDBG Program
    3. Approve Resolution 2026-03: Authorizing Application for CDBG Funds for FY 2026 (Due July 2nd)
    4. Approve Resolution 2026-04: Purchase of Harben DTK 750 ET 180 Manual from Patterson Equipment of The Woodlands, TX
    5. Opening Bids for City Hall and R.H. Young Community Center Roofs
    6. 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

  • County Commission and City of Eutaw enter a cooperative for youth recreation

    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:

    1. The  proposal from Mrs. Marilyn Armstead on the recreation site at the Old Carver High School
    2. The contribution of $10,000 for EMS payroll (Commissioner Turner opposed)
    3. Purchase Ad in the Greene County Democrat Graduation Edition – $600.00
    4. Naming a road in District 1 – Lucious Morrow Drive

    The next regular session for the commission is scheduled for June 8th.

  • Kelvin Scott announces candidacy for Greene County Commissioner, District 2

    Kelvin Scott announces candidacy for Greene County Commissioner, District 2

    Campaign theme: “Grow Greene Together” — change that’s rooted, shared, and lasting

    EUTAW, AL — Kelvin Scott, a lifelong public servant, local business leader, and Greene County native, today announced his candidacy for Greene County Commissioner, District 2. Scott’s campaign will focus on practical leadership, clear direction, and shared economic growth for Greene County families.

    “I’m running because Greene County deserves a clear path and direction—then consistent follow-through,” Scott said. “We don’t need more confusion or politics as usual. We need steady leadership that listens first, acts responsibly, and delivers results people can feel.”
    Scott, a graduate of Eutaw High School, retired after serving 20 years in the United States Marine Corps. After military service, he continued supporting the mission of the Department of Defense in leadership roles. He is also a local entrepreneur and community member—CEO of Colvin & Daniel Trucking DBA Greene County Carriers and owner of Rooted Farms LLC.

    Scott’s campaign slogan is “Grow Greene Together,” paired with the guiding message: “Change that’s rooted, shared, and lasting.” His platform is built on four key focus areas:
    1) Strategic Economic Development
    Scott is prioritizing economic growth that strengthens local opportunity—supporting small businesses, improving the infrastructure that commerce depends on, and pursuing partnerships that create job pathways in Greene County.“Economic development should be practical,” Scott said. “That means building and attracting and a county government that helps—not hinders—local progress.”
    2) The Future Is Our Children
    Scott’s plan emphasizes youth opportunity and long-term stability, including stronger support for programs and partnerships that connect young people to skills, mentorship, and reasons to stay and build in Greene County.
    “A county that plans for children plans to last,” Scott said.
    3) Health, Wellness, and Food Security
    Scott will advocate for common-sense solutions that improve access to wellness resources and strengthen local food systems—because health should not depend on zip code.
    “Wellness isn’t a luxury,” Scott said. “It’s infrastructure.”
    4) Support for Farming and Land Stewardship
    Scott is committed to supporting farmers and landowners through fair land-use decisions, improved rural infrastructure, and responsible stewardship that protects Greene County’s land and legacy.
    “Land is livelihood here,” Scott said. “We have to protect what makes Greene County strong.”

    Scott said his approach to county government will be guided by transparency, accountability, and open communication. “People deserve to understand what the county’s real plan is for the foreseeable future. We need to understand the decisions being made and why. My commitment is simple: listen, plan, and deliver.”

    For more information, visit: http://www.growgreentogether.com

  • Bingo facilities distribute $615,868 for month of April

    Wednesday, May 31, 2023, the Greene County Sheriff Department issued a listing of the bingo distributions for April, totaling $615,868.38 from four licensed bingo gaming facilities. The bingo facilities regularly distributing through the sheriff include Frontier, River’s Edge, Palace and Bama Bingo.
    The recipients of the March distributions from bingo gaming include Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the cities of Eutaw, Forkland, Union, and Boligee, the Greene County Board of Education and the Greene County Hospital (Health System).
    Sub charities include Children’s Policy Council, Guadalupan Multicultural Services, Greene County Golf Course, Housing Authority of Greene County (Branch Heights), Department of Human Resources, the Greene County Library, Eutaw Housing Authority, Historical Society, REACH, Inc., Headstart Community Service and This Belong To US.
    Bama Bingo gave a total of $117,157.87 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500, and the Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities, each received $1,034.22 including REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02.
    Frontier (Dream, Inc.) gave a total of $114,995.01 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each received $870.53, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $395.69 and This Belong to Us received $79.14.
    River’s Edge (Next Level Leaders and Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of $117,157.06 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250.; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each, $1,034.22, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02.
    Palace (TS Police Support League) gave a total of $266,558.44 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $111,426.26; City of Eutaw, $21,441.50; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $8,982.25; Greene County Board of Education, $24,339, and the Greene County Health System, $28,975. Sub Charities received $2,397.33, including the Historical Society and REACH, Inc. Community Service received $1,089.70 and This Belong to Us received $217.94.
    The sheriff’s additional supplement for March from four bingo facilities totaled $81,303.76.

  • Children’s Policy Council hosts UA New Faculty Engagement Tour

    On May 11, 2023 the Greene County Children’s Policy Council hosted the University of Alabama New Faculty Engagement Tour at the Robert Young Community Center in Eutaw, Alabama. The tour”s – Exploring New Places, Meeting New People, and Engaging New Communities – purpose is to encourage new community -university partnerships. Six panelists from Greene County discussed their programs making a difference in Greene County and what type of additional community-engaged research or service partnerships with the University of Alabama faculty, staff, and students would be helpful to address priorities within the County.
    The panelist on the program were Christopher Jones, Director, Greene County Ambulance Service, Dr. Corey Jones, Superintendent, Greene County School System, Mildred Morgan, Facilitator, Strengthening Family Program, Mollie Rowe, Director, Eutaw, Housing Authority, John Zippert, Chairman, Greene County Health System Board and Lillie Jones-Osborne, Chairman, Greene County Children’s Policy Council.
    This is the fifth New Faculty Community Engagement Tour to visit Greene County. According to Dr. Samory Pruitt, Vice President of Community Affairs at the University of Alabama, “ Community-engaged scholarship exists at the intersection of teaching, research, and service, the three pillars of the University of Alabama’s mission. The tour plays an important role in advancing that mission by providing opportunities to connect, and for the community members to become the teachers while members of the University community embrace the role of learner.”
    Judge Lillie Jones- Osborne served as the facilitator and site coordinator for the group. She stated, “We are always happy to host the group and to sit down and have new dialogue with the faculty and staff to encourage new partnerships.” She further stated that several partnerships have developed over the years because of the engagement tour. The tour visited several other areas in the Black Belt and in West Alabama over a three-day period.

  • Distribution of bingo funds for April totals $504,171.31

    On Friday,  May 13, 2022, Greene County Sheriff Department issued a listing of the bingo distributions for April, totaling $504,171.31 from four of the five licensed bingo gaming facilities.  The April  distribution reported by the sheriff includes $24,000 from Greenetrack, Inc. and $51,000 from the Sheriff’s Supplemental Fund distributed to Greene County Commission.
    The bingo facilities regularly distributing through the sheriff include Frontier, River’s Edge, Palace and Bama Bingo.  The recipients of the April distributions from bingo gaming include Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the cities of Eutaw, Forkland, Union, and Boligee, the Greene County Board of Education and the Greene County Hospital (Health System).
    Sub charities include Children’s Policy Council, Guadalupan Multicultural Services, Greene County Golf Course, Housing Authority of Greene County (Branch Heights), Department of Human Resources, the Greene County Library, Eutaw Housing Authority, Historical Society, REACH, Inc., Headstart  Community Service and This Belong To US.   Bama Bingo gave a total of $114,995.03 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500, and the Greene County Health System,  $12,500. Sub Charities, each received $1,026.89, including REACH.  Community Service received $466.77 and This Belong to Us received $93.35.
    Frontier (Dream, Inc.) gave a total of $114,995.03 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $9,250; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $3,875; Greene County Board  of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each, received $1,026.89, including the Historical Society and REACH.  Community Service received $466.77and This Belong to Us received $93.35.
    River’s Edge (Next Level Leaders and Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of  $118,248 to the following:  Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $48,070; City of Eutaw, $12,543; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee  each, $3,875; Greene County Board of Education, $10,500; Greene County Health System, $12,500. Sub Charities each, $1,027, including the Historical Society and REACH.  Community Service received $467 and This Belong to Us received $92.
    Palace (TS Police Support League) gave a total of $155.933.25 to the following: Greene County Sheriff’s Department, $65,182.92; City of Eutaw, $12,543; and the Towns of Forkland, Union and Boligee each, $5,254.50; Greene County Board of Education, $14,238 and the Greene County Health System, $16,950; Sub Charities received $1,392.46, including the Historical Society and REACH $1,392.46. Community Service received $632.94 and This Belong to Us received $126.59.
    In the Sheriff’s April distribution report, supplemental funds, totaling $62,181.20, were provided by the four licensed facilities.  Bama Bingo contributed $14,274.79; Frontier contributed $14,274.79; River’s Edge contributed $14,274.79 and Palace contributed $19,356.62 as sheriff’s supplemental funds.

  • Reginald Spencer vying for Mayor of Eutaw

    IMG_2699.jpg

     

    “Good things don’t just happen. They happen when you have strong, positive, effective leadership. This is why I want to be your mayor,” announced Reginal J. Spencer, Eutaw City Councilman.
    The following lists some of my training and achievements:  Attended Alabama Law Enforcement Academy in 1990;  Employed by Eutaw Police Department in 1991; Attended Alabama Canine Law Enforcement Training Center in 1994; Served as Assistant Police Chief in 1994; Promoted to Chief of Police in 1997 (supervising as many as 15 employees); Member of E911 Board since inception in 2003 (Budget Committee Chairman); Promoted by Greenetrack as Director of Security Department 2007-present (supervising a many as 85 employees); Member of the Board of Equalization from 2010-2012; Elected to the Eutaw City Council in 2012; Member of New Generation Church; married 27 years to Linda Rancher Spencer, 6 children and 8 grandchildren.

    As you can see, I have been actively involved with the citizens of this community and have kept this city safe for many years. I am no stranger to hard work and possess the leadership to serve this city well. As your Mayor, I will continue to represent the people of this great city, by not only protecting its citizens, but by making sure that all citizens of this city, no matter their income level or background, will be well respected. I will represent the interests and voice of the people. After all, the sum total of a city is its people.
    As your Mayor, I will seek out projects and programs for our youth that will provide life-long skills. Similarly, I will work with the city council to help attract businesses to our city. I will seek out funding from the state and federal government to bring programs and provide jobs that will benefit our community as a whole. Finally, I will care about your interests and hear your voice as citizens of this city.
    I am Reginald J. Spencer, and I am asking for your vote.  I would love the opportunity to be the next Mayor of the City of Eutaw.

  • Eutaw City Council approves resolution on use of National Guard Armory

    Chief & Sumlin

    Chief Coleman and Drug Task Force Commander, Clint Sumlin 

     

    At its regular meeting on April 26, 2016, the Eutaw City Council approved a resolution clarifying the procedure for waiving or reducing the usage fee for the City’s National Guard Armory on Mesopotamia Street by non-profit organizations.
    Currently the fee is $250 for a meeting or social event. The amount is higher for activities that are raising funds. The new resolution clarifies that to receive reduced cost or a waiver, a group or organization, must submit an application for a fee waiver or reduction. The applying group must attach a copy of their IRS 501(c) 3 charitable status; and be an “organization, group or individual who have a history of providing material items to the community, such as food, clothing, health care and the like”; or, a funeral repast for local residents. “The City is willing to reduce the fee for qualified community groups that will benefit residents of the City of Eutaw, but we are now, as of the adoption of this resolution, keeping files and records to make sure that the facility is used properly,” said Mayor Hattie Edwards.
    The Mayor announced that the ALDOT project to resurface Prairie Avenue from the Courthouse Square to Highway 43 is proceeding according to plans and $750 was spent on a permit to cross the Norfolk-Southern Railroad tracks that cross Prairie Avenue.
    The project is scheduled to be bid and constructed over the next few months.
    Police Chief Derrick Coleman introduced Clint Sumlin, who is Area Commander for the area’s Criminal Drug Task Force. Sumlin spoke about the work of the Task Force in interdicting the drug trade in and around our area. “The Task Force invites local law enforcement officers to ride with them and participate in activities as part of our training efforts. We do not provide insurance for the officers, who are volunteering, but we expect their home base department will help with this,” said Sumlin. He said the Drug Task Force was needed and would help keep everyone safer.
    Theresa Beeker addressed the City Council about organizing volunteers to help keep the City Park and tennis court in town, next to the Episcopal Church, clean so children and their parents can use it. She suggested that each council-member organize people in their district to clean and patrol the park one week a month, on a rotating basis. Mayor Edwards said that they would take this under consideration at a future meeting.
    Carl Davis asked the police to help residents in Branch Heights to stop young people from shooting each other and into vehicles and homes. “These young people know that they cannot be held in the adult jail so they are shooting guns and provoking the police. We need to work with them and their parents to stop the violence,” said Davis.