The Eutaw Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Eutaw held the annual Christmas Parade for Greene County, Thursday, December 7, 2023. Howard Crawford, renowned athlete, and the Greene Sheriff Jonathan Benison served as Grand Marshals. This year’s theme, A Parade of Christmas Trees featured a variety of decorated trees on the Old Courthouse Square, sponsored by various local businesses and organizations. Many businesses also decorated their storefronts lifting the Spirit of Christmas.
Even Smokey the Bear and Santa and his wife marched and rode in the local parade. The children enjoyed all the candy thrown from the floats.
Other parade participants riding on beautifully decorated floats and vehicles, or walking in unison, included elected and appointed officials, representatives of churches, non-profit organizations, businesses, housing authorities, local schools and homecoming courts, fire departments, ambulance service, AKA Chapter’s Fashionetta participant and Debutantes sponsored by the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and more.
An exceptionally large crowd was out to view the festivities and purchase snacks from the vendors.
Following the parade was the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Thomas Gilmore Courthouse Square and visits with Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus.
RBMS scholars participate in conflict resolutions workshops
Presenters Danielle Fulghum and Ted Quant lead RBMS 7th & 8th grade scholars in Conflict Resolution Workshop, Consultant Ted Quant guides scholars in conflict resolution small group strategy sessions. and Consultant Danielle Fulghum guides scholars in conflict resolution small group strategy sessions.
Scholars at Robert Brown Middle School, who participated in the conflict resolution workshops, spent 3 hours learning strategies to help deescalate and resolve conflict. Violence is a leading cause of death for African American youth, ages 15 to 24. The first session, held Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, involved 30, 7th grade scholars and on Thursday, Oct. 26, 30, 8th grade scholars participated. In order to allow students to understand how conflicts begin, the presenters demonstrated how our perspectives differ based on several factors such as religion, education, ethnicity, culture, social and economic class. Many may recall the famous black and blue or gold and white dress that took over social media years ago. To this day, people see this dress differently. Active Listening, which is considered one of the most powerful skills to deescalate conflicts, was the first strategy introduced to the students. 80% of conflicts can be resolved by simply listening and staying calm. Students worked in pairs to practice listening to each other and responding with “If I heard you correctly, you said….”. Students would then end their statement with, “Did I get it right?.” Students also learned assertive messages, also known as “I” messages. This is a strategy that allows students to make their needs and feelings known without attacking the other person. I feel when because . I need in order to resolve this problem. Another strategy to help explain their point of view was entitled Rules of Advocacy. Students can explain themselves by beginning with “My position is _ and this is why_________.” Students also learned how the role of the bystander is critical. What happens when a conflict breaks out? Do we encourage it or help deescalate it? The last strategy focused on anger management. Students practiced finding words for their feelings and how to express themselves in a calm manner. Knowing your anger cues, taking responsibility for your behavior, and reflecting on how you are dealing with anger is important. The workshop closing activity allowed students to express how they felt about the skills that they learned. Most students responded that they will start thinking more before they speak or act and that they will do more active listening. Video presentations and other visuals were incorporated in the various sessions. The sponsors and presenters would like to thank Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones and Mrs. Tammy Anderson, the Principal of Robert Brown Middle School, for allowing her scholars to experience this workshop. The presenters were Ted Quart, a native of New Orleans and Danielle Fulghum, a native of Greene County. The Conflict Resolution Workshops were sponsored by the Society of Folk Arts and Culture, where Dr. Carol Zippert is the Director and the Greene County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where Dr. Florence Williams is President. The Conflict Resolution Workshops were funded by a grant from the Black Belt Community Foundation.
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.
The four licensed bingo facilities, including Frontier, River’s Edge, Palace and Bama Bingo, distributed $615,868.38 for February 2023. The recipients of the February 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 supplement for February from four bingo facilities totaled $81,303.76.
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 the Greene County Sheriff Department issued a listing of the bingo distributions for March, totaling $615,868.58 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.
The Greene County Sheriff Department issued a listing of the bingo distributions for January, totaling $616,999.32 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 January 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 $470.10 and This Belong to Us received $94.02. River’s Edge (Next Level Leaders and Tishabee Community Center Tutorial Program) gave a total of $118,288 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, Inc. Community Service received $467 and This Belong to Us received $92. 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 supplement for January from four bingo facilities totaled $79,204.58
The Greene County Commission held its regular meeting, Monday, February 13, 2023, with all Commissioners present. The community filled the county courtroom, apparently in anticipation of the Commission’s decision regarding the proposed lease with the newly established Greene County Entertainment, Inc.
Following an executive session, and as the final item on the agenda, the Greene County Commission approved entering into a lease with Greene County Entertainment, Inc. subject to the following provisions: 1. New lease must reference existing lease based on settlement of previous lawsuit; 2. New lease does not change Greenetrack’s prior settlement agreement; 3. If new lease isn’t executed, current lease remains in effect.
Commissioner Allen Turner offered the motion to approve the agreement with Greene County Entertainment, Inc. Commissioner Garria Spencer gave the second. The votes were as follows: Turner and Spencer voted Yes; Cockrell voted No; Summerville and Smith abstained. The agreement was approved with the stipulations noted above.
The Greene County Racing Commission, the authority responsible for issuing license for the conduct of pari-mutuel wagering with authorization to conduct live Greyhound Racing, Horse and Greyhound Simulcasting and Historical Horse Racing Gaming, closed its request for proposals for such gaming license on Monday, February 13, 2023, at 12.15 p.m., at which time, two applicants had made the dateline. The Racing Commission received applications for the above mentioned gaming from Greene County Entertainment, Inc. and EK Solutions. No further information was provided on either entity at this time. Reportedly, the Racing Commission is engaging its process of selection.
In other business, the County Commission acted on the following:
* Approved the 2023 County Levies for alcohol licensing.
* Approved purchase of a banner for Greene county High School, Cockrell abstained.
Approved Mrs. Ethel Ross for DHR Board – District 3.
Approved Mrs. Susie Harris for IDA – District 1.
Approved resolution regarding Savior Way request.
* Approved purchase of a pickup truck from J.M. Woods.
* Approved naming Assistant Engineer as Assistant EMA Director.
Approved pay-off of truck loan at Merchants & Farmers Bank.
The agenda also called for consideration of Commissioner Allen Turner’s proposal for an Ad Valorem Tax which would be applied to employees salaries, recreation, senior citizens services and other services. Turner’s motion failed for lack of a second.
Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter’s inaugural Founders’ Day Celebration with Regional Director Dr. Tracey Morant Adams as Keynote Speaker Reginald Director Dr. Adams delivers address and greets Sorors
“We Carry the Light” was at the core of the messages shared at the inaugural Founders’ Day Celebration of the Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. The young chapter was chartered June 4, 2022 with 25 members, and now has 26. Mrs. Katie Jones Powell serves as President ands Mrs. Carolyn Branch is Vice-President. The speaker for the occasion, Southeastern Regional Director of AKA Sorority, Inc., Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, Ph.D., indicated that the Founders’ Day Celebration serves as a commemoration of the founders of the organization and a rededication of the members to the mission. She noted that under the leadership of International President and CEO, Dr. Danette Anthony Reed, the sorority has embraced the theme Soaring to Greater Heights of Service and Sisterhood. Dr. Adams stressed that the foundation initiative of the organization is Strengthening Our Sisterhood. The remaining Program Initiatives include Empowering Our Families; Building Economic Wealth; Enhancing Our Environment; Advocating for Social Justice and Uplifting our Local Community. Elaborating on the latter two, she noted that the organization’s focus in Greene County will surely endeavor to bring awareness to the disparities that exist in the local community. “We are certainly aware of the social and economic struggles and challenges in our community and will contribute to addressing these. Things that get measured get changed,” Dr. Adams stated. Dr. Adams lifted the newly chartered Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter exclaiming “I am so excited with this remarkable new chapter made up of extraordinary leaders, and I am so excited that they will extend our reach into a community made up of us – women of color serving in a community composed of more than 80% of people of color.” The inaugural Founders’ Day Celebration included the following components: Mrs. Precious Morgan Hallman served Mistress of Ceremony; Chaplain Vonnetta Gracie gave the Invocation; Mr. Marvin Turner rendered musical selections; Greetings were shared by Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson, County Commission Chair, Corey Cockrell, State Representative Curtis Travis, and Mr. Kenneth Webb, National Pan-Hellenic Council of Tuscaloosa/West Alabama Chapter. Mrs. Carolyn Branch expounded on the organization’s initiatives and Mrs. Mildred Morgan presented the Tribute to Founders. Special recognitions were led by Mrs. Karmelia Brown. Closing remarks were given by Dr. Rhinnie Scott, Founders’Day Program Chairperson and Mrs. Katie Jones Powell, Chapter President. Visiting Greek-Lettered Organizations were recognized and extended special appreciation for sharing in this inaugural Founders’ Day Celebration, including the Greene County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Dr. Florence Williams, President. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated ® (AKA), an international service organization, was founded on the campus of Howard University in Washington, D.C. in 1908. It is the oldest Greek-letter organization established by African American college-educated women. In March 2022, the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha elected Dr. Morant Adams to serve as their Regional Director. On July 14, 2022, she was officially installed into the office with responsibility for leading more than 116 Chapters and over 13,000 members in Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. An accomplished business executive, Dr. Morant Adams serves as Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Renasant Bank.
L to R: Johnny L. Isaac, E-911 Board Chairman; Ms. LaMeka Woods-Bryant, E-911 Interim Director, Ms. Iris Sermon, Retiring E-911 Director
Greene County E-911 Communication Board Chairman J. L. Isaac announces the retirement of E-911 Director Iris Sermon, effective January 31, 2023. Chairman Isaac stated that Ms. Sermon was the first and only Director for E-911, serving in this capacity for a period of 20 years. “Ms. Sermon has proven to be a great asset to the citizens of Greene County and has worked well with the E-911 Board of Directors as well as county wide agencies and organizations. Her services will be missed,” he said. Ms. Sermon commented that it has been her pleasure serving the citizens of Greene County and surrounding areas. She noted, “This is a highly intensive and stressful job, but the joy comes when you know a life was saved by getting first responders on site in a timely manner.” E-911 is set up as a Unified Central Dispatching system. “We dispatch for Eutaw Police, the Sheriff Department, State Troopers, 14 Fire Departments, Ambulance and Rescue, Air E-Vac, Forestry, Marine, as well as the City of York Police Department.” According to Ms. Sermon, the last 20 years have been a rollercoaster ride mainly due to the fact that most citizens do not realize the true importance of E-911 services, and what it takes to make it operate successfully. “Having sufficient finances is a continuous challenge,” she said. The E-911 financial support comes from state allocations from citizens’ telephone use, some county funds and until recently from Greenetrack, Inc. bingo funds. “Since Greenetrack, Inc. no longer operates bingo, that is a great financial loss to our budget,” Ms. Sermon said. Although, E-911 operations have finally acquired and installed the necessary equipment in the new facility on Park Lane in Eutaw, the Unified Central Dispatching will continue to operate from the facility on Prairie Ave, until the transference of the specialized telephone services are verified and authorized. Board Chairman Isaac announced that current E-911 Supervisor, Mrs. LaMeka Woods-Bryant will serve as Interim E-911 Director. Mrs. Bryant has been an employee with the agency for 11 years. Mr. Isaac stated, “Greene County E-911 Board members extend best wishes to Mrs. Sermon on her retirement and future endeavors.”
