December 13- LEGENDS BINGO, Coordinator Shelia Smith and Sheriff Santa hosted Breakfast with Santa at Boligee Community Center. Breakfast, gift cards for the kids and a picture with Greene County Sheriff I mean Santa Sheriff Joe Benison was available. Commissioner Garria Spencer and Commissioner Summerville were on hand to assist.
New Mayor Corey Cockrell take Oath of Office and Eutaw Council members sworn in
On Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM new City of Eutaw Mayor, Corey Cockrell and City Council members: Valerie Watkins (District 1), Jonathan O. Woodruff Jr.(District 2)., Tracey Hunter (District 3), Lorenzo French (District 4) and Carrie Logan (District 5) were sworn in to their positions. The ceremony was held on the lawn of the old Greene County Courthouse at the Thomas E. Gilmore Historic Square. More than 200 officials, city and county residents were present for the historic inaugural ceremonies.
The program began with a welcome from Council member Tracey Hunter, a scripture reading by Councilman Woodruff, an invocation by Rev. Joe Webb, Pastor of New Generation Church, the Pledge of Allegiance by Carrie Logan and the National Anthem by the Greene County High School Band
The oath of office was administered by District Judge Lillie Osborne to Council members Watkins, Woodruff and Hunter. City Judge Joshua Swords administered the oath to Council members French and Logan. Osborne administered the oath to new Mayor Corey Cockrell.
Mayor Corey Cockrell gave a short address as new mayor setting his vision for progress and unity in the City of Eutaw. He said, “This victory is not just mine. It’s ours. It’s a victory for every neighborhood, every resident, every business owner loves this city and wants to see it thrive.”
He continued saying, “ I pledge to you : I will work tirelessly. I will listen. I will lead with transparency, with integrity, with courage, and a heart for service. I will build partnerships – with our community, business, faith groups, neighboring cities, because no one person can do this alone.” We have provided a copy of his full remarks, below, review and hold him accountable.
Honored quests were recognized. County Commission Chair Garria Spencer made some congratulatory remarks as did Sheriff Joe Benison, who pledged his support to the new mayor. Lauren Smith gave a musical selection. Master of Ceremony, Joe Lee Powell closed out the program a reception in the City Hall and the scheduled Organizational Meeting of the City Council for 3:00 PM also in the City Hall council chamber.
Inaugural Address by Corey Cockrell, Mayor, City of Eutaw
November 3, 2025
Good Morning, Thank You.
First, I want to thank God who is the head of my life. Nothing is too big for God. Let me say how deeply humbled and honored I am to stand before you this morning as your newly elected mayor of Eutaw. I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me and our city council, also the mandate you’ve given us to move this city forward. Together we’ve shown what can happen when a community comes together with hope, determination, and a vision for a brighter future.
To everyone who voted, who knocked on doors, who made phone calls, who volunteered their time, who believe in our vision and the possibility of change this is your victory too. Your commitment and your voice matter.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, campaign team and supporters- you made this possible. I couldn’t have done it without you. You inspired and encouraged me every step of the way.
To my opponents: thank you for running a vigorous campaign. I respect your service, and I look forward to working with you/ acknowledging your perspective as we strive to unite in service for our city.
This victory is not just mine. It’s ours. It’s a victory for every neighborhood, every resident, every business owner who loves this city and wants to see it thrive. But, as we celebrate this moment, let us remember that this is just the beginning. Our journey forward begins now. The city is not defined by the buildings or streets; It’s defined by the people. And the people of this city are the ones who will continue to drive us forward, to build on the strengths, and to create the community we all deserve. I know we face challenges, some expected and unexpected , but I have unwavering faith in us as a whole. Together we will tackle these challenges with compassion, understanding, creativity and promptness.
We are entering a new chapter in Eutaw – one where we build together, inclusively and boldly. A city where everyone has opportunity. A city where our children can grow up safe, confident, and excited about the future. A city where the promise of this place is fulfilled in every corner.
This morning, I pledge to you: I will work tirelessly. I will listen. I will lead with transparency, with integrity and courage, and with a heart for service. I will build partnerships – with our community, business, faith groups, neighboring cities because no one person can do this alone.
Our challenges are real; whether it’s affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure, jobs, or our environment, but I believe our potential is greater. We can and we will make progress.
Let’s get to work. Let’s roll up our sleeves. Let’s be brave, bold and compassionate. Let‘s show what this city can be.
Thank you again to every resident of Eutaw, for placing your faith in this new administration. Let’s move forward together. Our best days are ahead.
The time has come to put our boots on the ground.
The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, the state’s auditors, did a review of the financial records of Sheriff Joe Benison for the 5 year and seven month period of October 1, 2018 to April 30, 2024, which found numerous problems in record keeping and inadequate or no supporting documentation to back up disbursements mostly from the Bingo Fund of close to 5 million dollars.
Rachel Laurie Riddle, Chief Examiner for the State of Alabama, held a hearing on the 12th of September to review the report and relieved the Office of the Sheriff of Greene County of $370,383.08 of expenses for which he provided documentation, out of $5.3 million, he was charged with, in the original report. This left $4,966,427.69 which the Sheriff “has failed to show just cause why the remaining charges should not be paid, therefore relief from these charges are denied,” a quote from the Chief Examiners Order.
The Chief Examiner referred her report to the local district attorney, Rachel England of the 17th Judicial District (Greene, Sumter and Marengo counties) and to The State Attorney General for any legal charges to be filed against Sheriff Joe Benison for his actions.
This 2024 audit report also references prior audits in 2014 and 2018 of the sheriff’s Office, which had some of the same general findings, which have not been corrected, but the largest problems are with the Bingo Fund, which the Sheriff used to receive payments from licensed bingo parlor charities and disburse them to community agencies, for the benefit of people in Greene County.
The 2024 audit examined a dozen funds administered by the Sheriff’s office, including General Office Account, Municipal Inmate Feeding Account, Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Fund, Sheriff’s Jail Store Fund, Prisoners’ Money on Deposit Fund, Sheriff’s Jail Law Enforcement Fund, Junior Deputies Fund, Equitable Sharing Fund, Process Serving Fund, Jail Food Fund, Prisoner Feeding Fund, and Bingo Fund.
The findings of the audit were: Finding 001: the fund accounts examined had not been reconciled to the cashbook monthly as required by state law. As a result, an accurate, reconciled bank balance was not available. The report indicates that the same findings were made in the 2014 and 2018 audits and not corrected.
Audit Finding 002 says state law requires the Sheriff to keep cashbooks, which reflect all financial activities of the office. The cashbooks should reflect the source of all amounts received and reflect disbursements that are maid. The finding says the Sheriff’s Office cashbooks were not properly maintained for each fund and receipts and disbursements were not properly categorized., The same finding was made in the audits of 2014 and 2018.
Audit Finding 003: in the handling of funds, the Sheriff’s Office did not have procedures in place to handle, receipt and deposit funds on a timely basis. The auditors could not determine that cash receipts were adequately accounted for and deposited in a timely manner. Receipts were not written for Sex Offender Fees, Deposits were not made on a timely basis and Pistol permit cash collections were not properly reconciled to deposits> This made it difficult for auditors to determine all money collected was deposited. The same findings were reported in 2014 and 2018.
Audit Finding 004: says the code of Alabama is clear that the Sheriff must maintain records of all disbursements with supporting evidence and specify when he uses funds for purposes not specifically allowed by law. This finding specifies that:
• $16,226.97 in expenses from various funds with no supporting documentation.
• $3,159,031.48 in payments made to employees of the Sheriff’s Department, in addition to payments made to employees for their salaries paid by the Greene County Commission. These payments were placed on Form 1099 to each employee. A list of the employees who received these payments is reflected in a chart from the auditor’s report on page 8 of this newspaper. The auditors allege no supporting documentation or legal justification for these payments.
• $2,161,552.32 in payments, of which $1,179,252.61 was paid to consultants and attorneys for professional services. The rest of the money was paid to merchants, individuals, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. Again, the auditors assert that that inadequate or no supporting documentation is made for these expenses. As a result, these expenses were charged back to the Sheriff Benison to explain, document or reimburse.
Audit Finding 005: says that The Sheriff violated the Constitution of Alabama for the disbursement of bingo funds for purposes not specified in the Constitution.
The examiners report contains pages of accounting information which they developed to reach and substantiate their findings.
The Democrat made many efforts to reach Sheriff Benison for his response to the State Examiners report and request for justification, documentation or reimbursement of almost $5 million in public funds.
Just before press time, the Sheriff issued this statement in response to the audit.
“It is regrettable that, in the face of documentation justifying the millions of dollars of expenditures made to improve the lives of the citizens of Greene County, the vendetta of the forces in Montgomery continues. Less than a year ago, the litigation waged by the Attorney General for seven years ended with the reaffirmation of my role under the Constitution as the sole regulator of bingo in Greene County.
Now, here we go again: The Examiners of Public Accounts have now issued a report questioning the expenditure of money for, among other things, the scholarships paid to every Greene County high school senior and the payments made to the deputies who protect and serve our county. They should be ashamed. I didn’t back down when they sued me, and I won’t back down now.”
Greenetrack 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.
News Analysis
Dr. Salahuddin Farooqui, MD attends patients on his rounds at Greene County Physicians Clinic
By: John Zippert, Co-Publisher and Chairperson of Board of Directors of Greene County Health System (GCHS)
We, the citizens and leaders of Greene County, must work together immediately and urgently to save our hospital (20 beds), nursing home (70 beds), physicians clinic, and home health services, which are grouped together as the Greene County Health Services. This is a public non-profit corporation, whose board of directors is selected by the Greene County Commission.
As a small rural hospital our future and finances have been clouded by the uncertainties surrounding Federal health care policy, the refusal of Alabama’s Governor and Legislature to expand Medicaid funding to the working poor, the low reimbursement rates for Medicaid and Medicare recipients and the high level of poor people in Greene County that we do not and cannot turn away for needed health care services.
GCHS needs your support to stay open.
Another problem, we have, is one that we are all responsible for and can solve. Many of us in Greene County do not use the health facilities and doctors at the GCHS like we should and must if the hospital is to be there when we have an emergency and need it most.
Our Emergency Room (ER), which is staffed 24/7 is available for emergency injuries and life threatening conditions at home, on the job and on the highway. Many Greene County residents and others on the Interstate Highway have been medically stabilized and their lives saved by the ER. Once they were stabilized, we were able to send them to other facilities, by ambulance or helicopter, for more intensive care and treatment.
A community that wants to grow and attract industry and jobs must have an operational health system or industry will pass us by. One of the first questions a prospective industry asks is whether there is a health facility, in the community, that can respond to safety concerns and emergencies for employees at their plants, offices and business locations. If we are forced to close the hospital, we will loose the chance for industrial development and we will loose the jobs of the people who work at the facilities.
We have twenty vacant beds in our Residential Care Facility (Nursing Home), which should be filled up. There are Greene County elderly in nursing facilities in other places who could be at home getting the same or better care closer to family and friends.
We also provide swing beds for Medicare 21 day rehabilitative hospital stays. You will receive the same services as in other facilities. We have trained physical, occupational, speech and other therapists and nurses on staff and you will be closer to home. It is up to you to insist upon returning to the GCHS facilities for health services even if other facilities are aggressively promoting you to go elsewhere.
The GCHS has faced tight financial times for many of the twenty-five years that I have served on the Board of Directors. In recent years, the financial pressures have mounted and the facility has no cash reserves. Our patient mix is one third Medicare, one third Medicaid, 5 to 10% Blue Cross-Blue Shield and 25% with no insurance or payment source.
The GCHS, as a small rural facility, we receive 65 cents for each dollar billed to Medicare; only 32 cents for each dollar billed to Medicaid; 75 to 80 cents for private insurance payers and nothing from people without insurance. Our Administrator says: “Our Medicaid reimbursement is like walking into a store and paying $1 for a $3 dollar gallon of milk. The store could not stay in business very long, but this is the way our health system operates.”
The GCHS is audited each year by an accounting firm that reports its results to the State of Alabama for approval. The accountants also prepare a cost report which is used by the Federal and state governments to determine reimbursement rates and “disproportionate share payments” to help cover deficits.
For the current fiscal year, for the 10 months from October 1, 2016 to July 31, 2017, the GCHS has a deficit of $894,227, about $90,000 per month after all direct and indirect revenues have been calculated. This deficit correlates with the $100,000 a month of “uncompensated care” the GCHS provides for very low income residents of Greene County, some of whom are “working poor people”, who have a minimum wage job but who do not have or qualify for insurance or a payer source.
The GCHS receives 1 cent of the 3-cent sales tax, which is received by Greene County on all retail sales in the county. This is generally $30 to $40,000 a month. Currently the GCHS has pledged these funds for ten years on a bond issue that generated $2.5 million to pay accumulated debts for the past five years of operations, including a $1.2 take-back by Medicaid for “over payments in past years”.
GCHS needs support from electronic bingo
The GCHS is currently receiving minimal support from “electronic bingo” in Greene County. When Amendment 743 was passed, support for the hospital was named as one of the major reasons for use of the charitable bingo contributions. For the past five years, the hospital and nursing home have only received minimal contributions from bingo and we were not included in the formula for use of the $200 fee per machine, which goes to support the Board of Education, County Commission, Sheriff’s office and four municipalities.
We have been discussing our financial situation and problems with Sheriff Joe Benison for five years. In June 2016, the Sheriff imposed a 4% tax on the companies that provide bingo machines in Greene County. This tax was supposed to generate $20,000 a month for the GCHS. Unfortunately, the Sheriff did not enforce his own regulations and none of these funds were paid to the hospital. For the 15 months since June 2016, the GCHS has not received the $300,000, this tax was supposed to generate.
On Friday, August 25, 2017, the GCHS Board of Directors met with Sheriff Benison to discuss our critical financial situation. We asked the Sheriff to collect the outstanding 4% tax that he imposed on machine operators and provide an immediate infusion of funds to the hospital. Secondly, we asked that he immediately, as of September 1, 2017, increase the base fee, on all machines, at all bingo parlors by $25.00 from $200 to $225, and provide that increase on a monthly basis to the health care system.
Based on a minimum of 300 machines in each of the 5 bingo establishments, this would generate $37,500 in new revenues, on a stable monthly basis, to help the hospital toward financial solvency and covering the cost of uncompensated care. We feel Greene County health services must be included in the basic fee formula per machine or in whatever basic revenue formula is developed for bingo. We really feel the gaming industry in Greene County can afford and must support our hospital and related health care facilities.
In our letter to Sheriff Benison, we gave him until this Friday, September 8, 2017, to give a positive response to our requests. This is a critical problem and we need the help of the Sheriff and the gaming industry in Greene County to help to do their part to solve this problem.
To summarize, we must all work together to save our Greene County Health System. The people of Greene County, Black and White, must use our facilities more, fill up our nursing home, use our laboratory testing, our rehabilitative services, our three doctors and two nurse practitioners at the clinic, our home health services, our mammogram machine, CT scanner and every service we have available.
Our community leaders including the Sheriff, County Commissioners, School Board, Mayors and City Councils, preachers and lay church leaders, civic organizations, and everyone in a leadership position in the community must help us save the hospital and health services so that they will be there when you need them.
At Tuesday’s regular Eutaw City Council meeting, Mayor Steele reported on the progress of building the new water tank and tower behind City Hall. “The structure of the tower is going up and the bowl for the tank should be set this week,” said Steele.
The photograph with this story show the size and impact of the new water tower which will be linked to the new water lines, fire hydrants and water meters being placed as part of the $3.1 USDA Rural Development loan and grant package to update the city water system.
In other actions:
• The City Council agreed to a certificate honoring Sheriff Joe Benison for his help to the city with funds from electronic bingo.
• Approved a license for alcohol sales to Get Well Drug and Dollar Store.
• Approved a promotion to Sergeant for Police Officer Rodriquez Jones; Councilwoman Latasha Johnson voted against this motion because of concerns she has about the officer’s treatment of citizens of Eutaw.
•Discussed and tabled a proposal from Mayor Steele to seek a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund for constructing a pavilion, bathrooms and a concession stand in the City Park on Lock 7 Road. The project is estimated to cost up to $100,000 with a 50-50 match from the city that is required.
• Approved use of the National Guard Armory for ‘New Hope – New Visions’ organization.
• Approved providing chairs and tables from the Armory for a program of the Senior Olympics in Eutaw.