Greene County Democrat

Tag: Hodges Smith

  • 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

     

     

  • Eutaw City Council votes to return staff to a five- day schedule

    Mayor Latasha Johnson presents certificate to Mah’Kenzie Na Khole Jhordan Walker of Branch Heights in Eutaw, for being named Miss Black Alabama Talented Teen

    The Eutaw City Council met on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, for its regular first meeting of the month. All members of the Council and Mayor Latasha Johnson were present.

    The Council voted to extend the time for full time staff to five days and hours of 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Mayor Johnson argued that she was not sure she could do this under the City’s current financial position. Councilman Woodruff said the Council had adopted a budget that eliminated some positions so that the staff could return to full time operations. He also requested a rooster of staff positions and salaries that the city is paying.

    Hodges Smith addressed the City Council on an Automatic Aid Agreement developed by the Association of Volunteer Fire Departments in Greene County. The agreement would allow the dispatch of the closest four fire departments when a fire is reported. The four fire departments that would come to Eutaw’s assistance would be Springfield, Lower Gainesville Road, Clinton and Dollarhide. The Eutaw Fire Department would automatically be dispatched to fires in these four rural communities. The motion for approval did not receive a second and was not considered. The members of the City Council seemed to need more time to study and understand the proposal. It can be considered again at a future meeting.

    Mayor Johnson submitted a proposal that she received from the West Alabama Action Group to rent the Grubbs/E911 building for a period of
    December 1, 2024, to October 1, 2027, in exchange for making repairs to the building to make it usable as an office. The Council voted to table this request until more study could be made to the proposed lease agreement.
    Councilman Woodruff pointed out that $50,000 had been allocated to repairs to this building, for use by the Eutaw Police Department, in the Fiscal Year 2024-25 budget recently approved. “How will these monies be reallocated in the budget, if this lease proposal is adopted,” asked Woodruff.

    David Ficken, Vice President for Business Development of the Alabama Fiber Network addressed the City Council and asked for an agreement to place a 50 by 50-foot building on land owned by the City of Eutaw. The building would be built on a cement slab, surrounded by a chain-link fence, house equipment to permit local ISP (broadband) providers to
    connect to the national fiber optic network. Alabama Fiber Network has been funded by the State of Alabama to be a “middle mile” provider for broadband. Other middle mile providers have also approached the city to provide similar services.

    The Council voted to allow the Mayor and City Attorney to explore a location for the Alabama Fiber Network building and develop a 20-year renewable easement agreement for their building. The Council favored the Robert H. Young Community Center (former Carver School) as the site for the building. The proposed agreement would have to be presented to the Eutaw City Council for final approval.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Johnson reported on progress on several infrastructure projects that the city has agreed to work on. These are: 1. Ditch between Edward’s Drive and Roebuck Avenue, 2. Street Repairs on 3rd Avenue,  3. House on O’Neal Street, next to Mollie Rowe’s resident. Work is continuing on all these projects and complying with legal requirements before the city is involved with work on private property.

    In other business, the Eutaw City Council:

    • Approved paying $75.00 membership dues to the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce.

    • Approved reimbursement of Assistant Chief William Smith for $196.00 for city expenses.

    • Approved purchase of a half page ad ($300) in the Greene County Democrat Progress Edition.

    • Approved paying entry fee of $20 in Christmas Parade, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce.

    • Approved holiday schedule for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.

    • Approved payment of bills for the period.

    At the conclusion of the meeting, Mayor Johnson awarded a certificate of completion to City Clerk Sha’Kelvia Spencer or her participation in the Municipal Revenue Officers Program provided by the University of Alabama.
    The Mayor also awarded a certificate of commendation to Mah’Kenzie Na Khole Jhordan Walker for being named Miss Black Alabama Talented Teen.
    Walker is a resident of Branch Heights and will represent the State of Alabama in the national completion in the Spring of 2025. The Mayor pledged to raised funds to help pay expenses for Ms. Walker to participate in the national completion. Chief of Police Tommy Johnson presented the ‘Officer of the Month Award’ to Officer J. Powell.

  • Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce recognizes citizens and volunteers at annual banquet

    L to R : Corey Martin, Miriam Leftwich, Hodges Smith, Dr.Carol P. Zippert and Carrie Logan, Director of the Chamber. Smith, Martin and Zippert were honored as citizens of the year. Leftwich and Ralph Liverman (not shown) were honored for volunteer of the year.

    March 30, 2023. At Thursday night’s banquet, the Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce honored citizens and volunteers of the year. Vaughn Poe, Greene County resident and Director of the Alabama Real Estate Commission in Montgomery was keynote speaker.

     

     

  • Greene County AVFD names Ronald Kent Smith Fire Fighter of the Year

     

     

     

     

    AVFD President, Hodges Smith, presents Fire Fighter of the Year Award to Ronald Kent Smith. Mr. Luther ‘Nat’ Winn, with his wife Mrs. Annie Winn, holds Presidential Award presented to him. Shown with Winn are Union Mayor James Gaines; Forkland Mayor Charlie McAlpine; Eutaw Mayor Raymond Steele and Alabama State Senator Bobby Singleton. Other Fire Fighter Honorees of 2018 included: Mr. Harper Smith, Knoxville Fire Department; Mr. John A. Hill, Springfield Fire Department; Mr. Allen Turner, Jr., Tishabee Fire Department; Mrs. Severe Strode, Lower Gainesville Road Fire Department; Mrs. Brenda Hardy, Clinton Fire Department and Ronald Kent Smith, Greene County Coroner.

     

    Ronald Kent Smith, Greene County Coroner and volunteer fire fighter was honored as Fire Fighter of the Year at the 6th Annual Volunteer Fire Fighters Award Banquet held Friday, October 12, 2018 at the Eutaw Civic Center. Smith has been employed by the Greene County Emergency Medical Service for 17 years and has served as a volunteer fire fighter for 17 years. Other honorees for 2018 included: Evangelist Brenda Hardy who serves as president of the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department, which was organized in 2011; Mr. John A. Hill who has served as a member of the Springfield Volunteer Fire Department since 1994; Mr. Harper Smith who serves with the Knoxville Fire Department; Mrs. Severe Strode who has been a fire fighter with the Lower Gainesville Road Volunteer Fire Department since 1991; and Commissioner Allen Turner, Jr.who has been a member of the Tishabee Volunteer Fire Department since 1995. A special recognition, the Presidential Award, was given to Mr. Luther ‘Nat” Winn, II, for his continuing support of the Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments. Alabama State Senator Bobby Singleton gave remarks and encouraged voters to go to the polls on November 6. Mr. Hodges Smith, President of the Association, brought greetings; Mrs. Geraldine Walton was Mistress of Order for the Awards Banquet; A representative from each fire department also brought greetings; Ms. Felecia Smith was soloist; Mr. Marvin Turner & Impluze Band rendered musical selections.

    Ms. Willie E. Austin led the Memorial Tribute to deceased fire fighters. Dinner was served and entertainment was provided by D.J. Birdman of Eutaw.

  • GC Association of Volunteer Fire Fighters sponsors training at Clinton meeting

    Shown above Jimmie Rice, Marstine Rice, Brenda Hardy, Scott Hardy, Richard Phillips, Hattie Phillips, Gloria Ingram, Mary E. Otieno, James l. Otieno, James Edwards, Sr. displaying Clinton’s latest fire truck.

    The family of the late Pauline Hughes of the Clinton VF Department received a resolution in her honor. Shown l to r: Napoleon Hughes, Brenda Hardy, Hodges Smith, President of the AVFD, Johnny Hughes, Carl Hughes, Napoleon Hughes, Jr. and Scott Hardy.

    The Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Fighters Departments (AVFD) held its monthly meeting, Monday, August , 2018 at the Clinton Fire Station. Hodges Smith, President of the Greene County AVFD, emphasized the important of training and completing certification. This was followed by a training led by James Otieno of the Clinton VFD. The training session focused on protecting the first responder emphasizing the following: points of entering, securing the site as well as a escape route working as a team, being aware of hazardous material, time distance for the first responder and being aware of your surrounding. Jena Fire Department reported two members have completed the EMA course. Two VF Stations have new trucks including a 1995 Pierce 1750 /1000 rural Pumper Fire Truck for the Boligee Fire Department and Clinton Fire Station purchased a 1989 Simon Deluxe pumper.

    E911 Director Iris Sermon reported a total of 93 incidents occurred during July – August. The family of the late Pauline Hughes of the Clinton VF Department received a resolution in her honor. The Greene County Association of Volunteer Firefighters consists of 14 departments including Boligee, Clinton, Dollarhide, Eutaw, Forkland, Jena, Knoxville, Lower Gainesville Road, Mantua /Lewiston, Springfield, Stream Plant, Tishabee, Union, and West Greene. The next meeting will be held September 18, 2018 at the Dollarhide Fire Station. The Greene County Fire Fighters encourage everyone to participate. If interested in becoming a volunteer fire fighter you can contact Hodges Smith AVFD president.

  • Solidarity meeting held to support electronic bingo in Greene County

    Nat WinnGreenetrack CEO Luther “Nat” Winn addresses Solidarity meeting

     

    On Tuesday, November 21, the Black-Belt Solidarity Committee held a meeting at the Eutaw National Guard Armory in support of Greene County Constitutional Amendment 743 authorizing electronic bingo in Greene County. The Solidarity Meeting Committee consisting of Val Goodson, Beverly Gordon and Patricia Edmonds sponsored the meeting.
    Two hundred supporters of bingo attended and heard statements from community political and organizational leaders in support of electronic bingo and its benefits to the community.
    The meeting was held in response to a recent lawsuit filed by Alabama Attorney General Mike Marshall to stop bingo in five counties around the state including Greene, Lowndes, Macon, Morgan and Houston where bingo has been authorized by voter support of Constitutional amendments.

    Sheriff Joe Benison spoke and said he enjoys serving the people of Greene County with his staff of 34 employees and encouraged unity in the face of the attack on bingo by the Attorney General.
    Hodges Smith speaking on behalf of the Greene County Volunteer Fire Associations said, “ Before bingo, we had to raise money for fire trucks and other equipment selling hot dogs and hamburgers. It was very difficult and we could not get all of the up to date equipment we needed. We do not want to be pushed backwards into the dark ages again. We need to stand together for bingo.”
    Johnny Isaac, Chair of the E-911 Board also spoke in favor of bingo and the need for unity in view of the attack on Amendment 743.
    John Zippert, Chair of the Greene County Health Systems Board of Directors said, “We received a distribution of $39,375, for the month of October, from four of the five bingo establishment this week which helped the hospital to meet payroll and expenses to continue to provide health services in Greene County to people who do not have any insurance.”
    Mayor Raymond Steele spoke of the benefits of gaming to the City of Eutaw and other municipalities in the county that receive bingo funds. County Commissioner Allen Turner reported that the County Commission used bingo funds to match Federal funds for road and bridge repairs, which stretched the funds and made them to further to help the people of Greene County.
    Luther ‘Nat’ Winn, CEO of Greenetrack said he was pleased to see people standing together to protect what we have. “I hope this sends a message to AG Marshall not to come to disrupt the jobs and economic progress we have made through electronic bingo.” Winn continued, “ I want you to know that we are not going to close our operations this time. If the state comes, I for one am going to stand in the doorway of Greenetrack and stop the State of Alabama from disrupting a gaming industry that employs hundreds and supports the county agencies and schools of Greene County. This is a part of our voting rights and civil rights and we are not giving up without a fight.”
    Commissioner Marcus Campbell of Sumter County and Probate Judge Crawford of Hale County also spoke in support of unity to keep Greene County bingo working because it provides employment and other benefits to residents of their adjoining counties.
    The Solidarity meeting was adjourned and a monthly Greene County Fire Association meeting went forward.