Mrs. Martha James honored at Women in Agriculture Conference

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Shown L to R: Ms. Ethel Giles, Ms. Edna James, Ms. Martha James, Ms. Doris Williams and Ms. Audrey Haskins.

As a member of the Alabama State Association of Cooperatives, Mrs. Martha James was recognized and honored as the oldest living female farmer, still working and caring for the land, at the Women in Agriculture Conference sponsored by ASAP on Friday, April 5, 2024.

Mrs. James maintains 160 acres of land in Greene and Sumter Counties in Alabama. She maintains more than 35 head of cattle; a Loblolly Pine Forest and raises vegetables for the Greene & Sumter Farmers Cooperative every year. She is a lifelong member of G & S Co-op, serving aa a mentor to other farmers.

Ms. James is a member of 2nd Baptist Church of Eutaw and attends the Greene County Community Center for Seniors. She is the mother of four children.

ASAP proclaimed Mrs. James as an Elder of the Coop Community and an example of Finer Womanhood. The Women’s Conference was held at the Federation of Southern Cooperatives Land Assistance Fund Rural Training & Research Center in Epes, AL.

Eutaw City Council takes up some cost saving measures to avoid budgetary shortfall

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At its Working Session on April 8 and its regular meeting on April 9, 2024, the Eutaw City Council took some steps to reduce expenditures and increase income to avoid a budget shortfall toward the end of its fiscal year, coming in the last few months of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024.

The Council was in part reacting to a mid-year financial report from Fiscal Adviser, Ralph Liverman, which showed deficits in the water and sewer department and a lack of income from rental of the Robert H. Young Community Center and other city properties. The report also indicated that the city had received no revenues from electronic bingo, distributed by the Sheriff, since May 2023. In past years, bingo funds were used to cover departmental deficits and capital improvements, like road and bridge repairs.

The Council adopted a resolution setting rates for the short-term use of the Robert H. Young Community Center (formerly Carver School). The general rental rate for the gymnasium space is set for $300 for use from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Non-profit entities can be exempted from rental rates, by the Eutaw City Council, if the activity is for a public purpose. The charge for funerals is $100.

If the renter is charging admission or using the facility for fundraising an additional fee of $250 will be charged. Non-profit agencies can apply for exemption of this requirement. If alcohol is being served at a rental event, all individuals admitted must be 21 years of age and appropriate security is contracted.

There is also a refundable $150 charge as a cleaning deposit, if the renter does not leave the property in satisfactory condition, the deposit will be forfeited, otherwise it will be refunded to the renter. No cleaning deposit will be charged for funerals.

The Eutaw City Council approved a new work schedule for all city employees, with the exception of police officers, for a half day of work on Thursdays and Fridays (8:00 AM to Noon). This will cutback employees to a four-day week and allow the retention of all existing employees, without having to layoff anyone, while also saving some funds.

The Council also approved a policy to limit overtime by city employees to the exact time of additional work required for emergencies. Some employees were receiving an automatic three hours for being called for overtime work. This practice will be changed to actual time worked and limited to emergencies. Some water and sewer employees were asked to do overtime work, when problems developed for residents, who has back-flow valves installed on their water meters. Mayor Johnson said she was seeking reimbursement for those overtime hours from the general contractor who handled installation of the back-flow valves.

The Council received a report at the Work Session, from Sarah Leavelle, from the Water and Sewer Department, concerning a rate analysis, last year, from the University of North Carolina, that recommended a gradual increase in water and sewer rates. The proposal recommends an increase in the rates by 15% the first year, increasing by 5% a year over the next four years. The base rate for water, for residential customers, would increase from the current minimum of $14.41 for two thousand (2,000) gallons to $16.57 for the first year, by the end of five years, the base rate would increase to $20.14. The rate per thousand additional gallons would increase, over five years, from $5.39 to $6.88 per 1,000 gallons.

Sewer rates would increase by a corresponding amount and help to close the deficit in these departments between revenues and expenses. The City Council will need to pass an ordinance to implement the water and sewer rate increases. The matter was referred to Zane Willingham, City Attorney, to prepare an ordinance.

In other actions, the Eutaw City Council:

• Approved a partnership with the City and the University of Alabama’s
Life Research Institute dealing with improving cardiovascular heath for residents.
• Changed the signatures on the Police DARES bank account.
• Approved payment of bills.
• Heard a report from Courtney Ransom of vandalism at the horse arena in City Park, which was granted to her horse organization for horse shows and rides. She asked for more police presence to check the park.
• Councilman Woodruff complimented City Police investigator for his presentation to the Grand Jury.
• Police Chief Johnson reported that the Eutaw Police Department will hold its 4th Annual First Responders Day and Parade on May 14, 2024.
• Sarah Leavelle reported that the City Water Department had $107,156.70 in collections for the month of March 2024, including 335 on-line payments of $27,126.13; and 1,544 active customers.

School Board receives update on Superintendent Jones evaluation process

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The Greene County Board of Education met in regular session Monday, April 15, 2024 with all members present. The board heard an update on Superintendent Dr. Corey Jones evaluation process, conducted by Dr. Daniel Boyd, former Assistant Superintendent with the Alabama State Board of Education and former Superintendent of the Lowndes County School System. Dr. Boyd presented the board members with evaluation forms, to complete individually, using five performance standards. Dr. Boyd indicated that he will return on Wednesday to administer similar surveys to the administrative staff and principals. He asked the board members to have their surveys completed and returned to him by that date.
Dr. Boyd stated that he will compile the findings of all surveys and present a final report on Superintendent Jones evaluation by June, 2024.
Dr. Boyd noted that the superintendent’s annual evaluation process is significant in clarifying leadership roles; enhancing communications; creating a common understanding consisting of multiple sources of data and providing mechanisms of accountability.
In his monthly report to the board, Superintendent Jones presented positive news for each school.
Eutaw Primary: K-3 educators are currently participating in Reading Data meetings. Educators will analyze most recent progress, monitoring data and make instructional adjustments. All K-3 grade scholars will take the Aimsweb End-of-Year Assessment beginning April 29, 2024. The educators will participate in i-Ready/ACAP Practice Test Data meeting during week of April 22-24. They will review pertinent information prior to administering Diagnostic 3. ACAP testing has concluded at Eutaw Primary.
Robert Brown Middle: 8th grade course selection cards completed April 4. ACAP testing completed. School wide Basketball Tournament scheduled for April 19. P.A.W.S. (Parents Always Willing to Support) meeting scheduled for April 30.
Greene County High: Scholars attended Future Teachers Day at University of Alabama. Seniors attended WOW 2.0 held at Shelton State Community College, sponsored by Alabama Works. Mu Alpha Theta celebrated at OWA and Gulf Bowl Entertainment in Foley, Alabama.
Greene County Career Center: Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Lear Corporation Industry Tour, March 14. Jobs for Alabama Graduates Career Closet dedicated. Students participated in Modern Manufacturing Hanna Steel Industry tour, March 27.
Current Construction/Renovation Projects: Flooring at EPS is complete; roofing is 95% complete due to landscaping issue. Press box at RBMS scheduled to be completed by June 2. Company replacing HVAC system at RBM has begun receiving materials. GCH still has roofing issues which are under warranty.
The board acted on the following personnel items.
*Approved compensation for the following staff for any College Career Readiness related activities for the remainder of the fiscal year 2023-2024 – Teresa Atkins, Nicole Henley, Paula Calligan-Leftwich, Tomora Morris, Shamyra Jones, LaMonica Little, Tamika Thompson, Angela White, and Tweila Morris.
*Approved resignations of Nkenge Reynolds, 7th/8th grade Social Studies teacher at RBM and Ashley Moody, 7th/8th grade Language Arts teacher at RBM, both effective May 24, 2024.
The board acted on the following administrative items.
* Memorandum of Agreement for Special Education Services between Community Service Programs of West Alabama, Inc. Head Start/Early Head Start and Greene County Board of Education

* Job description for Gifted Education Specialist
* Quote in the amount of $36,229.00 from Alabama Door and Hardware, Inc. for doors at RBMS.
* Greene County Schools to participate in Winning Grant Training Program with MSB at The University of Alabama with a one-time fee of $3,500.00.
* Out-of-State travel for Shamyra Jones to attend the Jobs for Alabama Graduates (JAG) National Training Seminar in Las Vegas, NV, July 8-12, 2024. (Attending this conference is listed in the JAG Memorandum of Agreement.)
* Out-of-State travel for Tomora Morris to attend the SREB Conference in Nashville, TN, July 9 -12, 2024. (Pending available grant funding).
* Quote from Kelley S. Wassermann in the amount of $2,000 for two days of onsite assistance and training for Mosaic nutrient analysis and database collection for CNP Director and managers (Includes overnight hotel and travel expenses).
* Out-of-state travel for Rodney Wesley to attend 2024 Spring National Association of Basketball Coaches Clinic in Atlanta, GA on May 3-5, 2024.
* Payment of all bills, claims, and payroll
* Bank reconciliations as submitted by Mrs. Marquita Lennon, CSFO
* Permission for Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) members to travel to Georgia to Six Flags for their Educational Day on Friday, May 10, 2024.
CSFO Marquita Lennon presented the following Financial Snapshots as of March 31, 2024.
Operating Reserves: 5,73 (months) combined general fund reserve; 4,65 (months) cash reserve. All bank accounts have been reconciled. The General Fund Bank Balance totaled $5,728,137.95 (reconciles to the Summary Cash Report). Accounts Payable Check Register totaled $359,485.61. payroll Register totaled $947,547.82, (total gross pay, to include employer match items). Combined Ending Fund Balance totaled $7,049,670.75.
Local Revenue: Property Taxes – $42,146.87; Sales Taxes – $95,701.40; Other Taxes – $139,908.26.
Prior to the April meeting, the school board members participated in its annual Whole Board Training, Governing for Achievement, administered by Alabama Association of School Board staff. The first module of the five-part training focused on Committing to High Expectations, which has four expected outcomes: The board understands the high stakes of the Governing for Achievement programs work; The board feels a sense of urgency toward this work; The board understands the impact of quality teaching; The board understands the importance of building a culture of high expectations of all levels of the school system.

Newswire: Kenyan doctors’ strike enters third week as government stonewalls talks

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Kenyan doctors march to dramatize strike

Apr. 8, 2024 (GIN) – Kenya’s health sector, underfunded and understaffed, is closed for business until the government makes good on salary arrears and agrees to hire badly needed trainee doctors as promised to the union.

The Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU), also want the government to address frequently delayed paychecks and compensation for doctors who work in public hospitals as part of their higher degree courses.
 
The crippling strike, now in its third week, involves some 4,000 public sector doctors or  approximately half of the country’s 9,000 registered doctors. The question of salary arrears stems from a 2017 collective bargaining agreement that, among other things, set medical interns’ pay at 206,000 Kenyan shillings ($1,566) per month and fast tracks their clearance to work at health facilities upon graduation.
 
Qualified medical graduates in Kenya struggle to get jobs, striking workers say, despite staff shortages at public hospitals. The union wants the government to hire over 3,000 medical interns who are currently unemployed. But the health ministry said it lacks the resources to recruit them.
Despite a policy requiring the government to place medical interns within 30 days of completing their studies, graduates remain jobless long after qualifying to practice medicine.
 
Talks between the two sides aimed at ending the strike have been unsuccessful and other health workers, helping to keep hospitals running in the absence of doctors, have now joined the strike, local media is reporting. “The strike will take as long as it takes the government to wake up,” said Dr. Onyango Ndong’a on Citizen Television.
 
But government seems unlikely to budge, hoping to wait out the doctors.  Kenyan President Ruto recently declared there would be no additional monies for interns above the monthly $538 (70,000 Kenyan shillings) claiming the government was “struggling with a high tax bill.”
 
The impact of the 3-week strike is being felt across the country with many patients left unattended or being turned away from hospitals across the East African nation.
 
Despite the President’s claims of insufficient funds, Kenya only spends around 3.7% of its budget on health –  less than the 5% recommended by the World Health Organization for low and middle income countries to achieve universal health care, or the 15% it committed to spending on health as part of the Abuja declaration.
 
“It’s not just health,” Anderson Njuki, a Nairobi-based economist told the online publication Semafor, “because the country is spending much of its revenues on servicing debt, social spending and development.”
 
Without jobs or decent wages,  qualified Kenyan medical professionals would accelerate their migration abroad, Njuki added, severely weakening Kenya’s already troubled public health system.
 
Nurses have not joined the striking doctors despite pressure to do so from some members. 
 
“The issues doctors are pushing are genuine and should be implemented,” said Kenya National Union of Nurses Secretary General Seth Panyako. “The government is supposed to release funds to hire interns. But we’re not going on strike, we’re going to the courts.”
 

Newswire: Black woman hugging Trump in viral Chick-fil-A video shows how desperately MAGA world wants Black friends

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Donald Trump meets with people during a visit to a Chick-fil-A restaurant on April 10, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Megan Varner / Getty

By Zack Linly, Newsone


Here’s the thing: If it were true that Black Americans support and admire Donald Trump in numbers that are as significant as the MAGA World suggests, Trump, the GOP, conservative media and the rest of Trump’s acolytes wouldn’t need to work so hard to show it.
The Black Trump supporters who do exist wouldn’t need to plaster “Blacks for Trump” across their chests in yuge bold print and seek out news cameras to show themselves off in front of. Trump supporters wouldn’t be using AI to generate imaginary Black Trump supporters. Republicans wouldn’t be suddenly looking for photo-ops with the same “gangster rappers” they spent years denouncing as filth peddlers and poisoners of the youth.
Marjorie Taylor Greene wouldn’t be out here conjuring up fake Black Trump supporters named “African-American Muhammad,” and Trump Jr. wouldn’t be in the media trying to convince us that random Black men regularly walk up to him and call him their “hero.” Sen. Lindsay Graham wouldn’t have been trying so hard in 2022 to make Herchel Walker Black people’s new MLK only to cry about it later after Black voters continued to overwhelmingly say, “Hell no!” This year’s Black Conservative Federation Gala in South Carolina wouldn’t have been so choc full of white people. Trump and other white conservatives wouldn’t be working so hard to spread around white nonsense about Trump’s mugshot and ugly-ass sneakers giving him street cred with Black America.
If this massive influx of Black Trump support was real, why do they all need to band together and engage in this desperate and transparently self-serving campaign to prove it (or at least appear to do so)?
Anyway, meet real Black Trump supporter Michaelah Montgomery.
Montgomery recently went viral in a video that showed her hugging Trump after saying to him, “I don’t care what the media tells you, Mr. Trump, we support you!” while the ex-president was visiting a Chick-fil-A in Atlanta before attending a fundraising event in the area.
Conservative media treated the viral moment like it was a random encounter by a Black Trump supporter who hadn’t strategically positioned herself and a few of her Black friends right up front to set the stage. Of course, it turns out Montgomery is actually the founder of the right-wing Conserve the Culture organization and she worked on Candace Owens‘ Blexit campaign, according to her LinkedIn profile.
Side note: Fox News reported Trump’s Chick-fil-A visit under the headline: “Trump meets everyday Americans at Chick-fil-A while Biden fine dines with the Clintons, billionaires in DC.” They’re really out here trying to present Trump’s photo-op at the fast- food restaurant widely known for its support of anti-LGBTQ+ policies like it shows he’s one with the common man as if he doesn’t also eat at expensive restaurants with billionaires and spend his days golfing at the country club he owns where you basically need an 800 credit score just to smell the grass.

Speaking of Fox News, Montgomery’s viral moment scored her an interview on Fox & Friends where she continued her rhetoric about largely fictitious mainstream media outlets that are reporting that Black people hate Trump.
“The general consensus or social media would have you thinking that if President Trump were to show up to the HBCU campuses … that like, some angry mob would form or a riot would ensue and that he would not be welcome, and clearly the sentiment in that room the other day was the complete opposite,” Montgomery, a graduate from HBCU Clark Atlanta University, told Fox’s Lawrence Jones.
“He was very welcome. People were excited to see him. People showed up in support of him, and people, of course, were from all four institutions within the AUC [Atlanta University Center], the local HBCU community in Atlanta, and they all showed up in support of him,” she continued.
A few things:
First, literally no media outlet on social media or otherwise has even insinuated that “if President Trump were to show up to the HBCU campuses” an “angry mob would form or a riot would ensue.” In fact, media outlets on either side of the political aisle have only been reporting on the slight uptick in Black Trump support that recent polls have shown, even though most studies have shown it’s really not all that significant.
Secondly, I wonder if Montgomery is even aware that Trump actually has visited an HBCU before, or that his reception there was far from welcoming.
In 2019, Trump spoke at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina. The student protests outside of the building where Trump was speaking were reportedly larger than the crowd inside, which, to be fair, might have had something to do with the fact that only seven students were allowed inside for the speech, according to USA Today.
Still, Montgomery claims he “was very welcome” and that presumably Black “people were excited to see him,” but it’s unclear what that had to do with what his reception at an Atlanta HBCU would be since they weren’t on an HBCU college campus, they were at the fast food spot that really only has one type of chicken that it uses for like 9 different combos and is owned by a guy who would probably change up the menu, but only if it meant gay people couldn’t get married anymore.
All I’m saying is the political posturing is real—unlike massive Black support for the orange guy who consistently broadcasts his hate for Black Lives Matter, critical race theory, DEI, police reform initiatives, and virtually everything else that represents many of the most common values among the Black masses in America.

Newswire : GAO study reveals persistent underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic faculty in higher education

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African American professor and her students using laptop during lecture in the classroom.

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

 A new study conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), commissioned by Congressman Bobby Scott (D-Virginia), has unveiled concerning trends regarding the representation of Black and Hispanic faculty members in higher education institutions. Despite modest increases in their numbers over the past two decades, Black and Hispanic individuals remain significantly underrepresented among college faculty.

The study, which examined data spanning from fiscal years 2003 to 2021, found that while the proportions of Black and Hispanic faculty members have seen slight upticks, they continue to lag behind their representation in the broader workforce, particularly among workers with advanced degrees and professionals. Further, the study highlighted a stark disparity between the racial and ethnic composition of faculty and that of the student body, indicating a systemic issue within higher education.
“Addressing the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic faculty is not only a matter of diversity but also impacts the overall quality of education and student outcomes,” study authors wrote. “It’s imperative that we hold institutions accountable for fostering inclusive environments that reflect the diversity of our society.”
The study identified the processing of employment discrimination complaints as one significant barrier. Both current and prospective faculty members have the option to file complaints with either the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Department of Education. However, the study revealed persistent delays in the referral of complaints from the Department of Education to the EEOC.
In fiscal year 2022 alone, the Department of Education processed and referred 99 complaints alleging employment discrimination at colleges, with an average referral time of 71 days—well beyond the mandated 30-day period. Such delays not only prolong the resolution process but also perpetuate instances of discrimination and inequity within academia.
Additionally, the study uncovered deficiencies in the EEOC’s tracking and processing of complaint referrals. Despite receiving complaints referred to by the Department of Education, the study concluded that the EEOC needs a consistent protocol to ensure the timely receipt and processing of these referrals. The lack of accountability poses risks of oversight and further delays in addressing discrimination complaints, the authors stated.
In response to the findings, the GAO has issued recommendations aimed at enhancing accountability and efficiency in the processing of discrimination complaints. Scott has urged swift action from both the Department of Education and the EEOC to address the systemic disparities and processing delays highlighted in the study.
“The good news is that faculty diversity has improved over the last twenty years. The bad news is that faculty diversity is still not representative of the students they teach,” Scott stated.
According to the study authors, historically Black colleges, and universities, among other minority-serving establishments, have had success in nurturing and advancing academic members of color into tenure-track jobs, which offer greater security than adjunct or part-time employment. The authors noted that these schools frequently prioritize the education of students of color in the recruiting and professional development of their professors.
The GAO research suggests that enhancing mentorship, conducting retention studies, and providing leadership opportunities are effective strategies to enhance the retention of faculty members who are of color. The survey also discovered that a positive campus environment affected teachers’ decision to remain at their schools.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Department of Education both handle allegations of discrimination at colleges and universities inefficiently, according to the GAO study. The Education Department’s regulation mandates that complaints be sent to the EEOC within 30 days; however, the average time it took to get a referral was more like 71 days.
“As we strive to create more equitable educational environments, it is incumbent upon federal agencies to prioritize the timely and thorough investigation of discrimination complaints,” the authors concluded. “Our nation’s colleges and universities must be bastions of diversity and inclusion, and addressing the underrepresentation of minority faculty is a critical step towards achieving that goal.”

Newswire : Racial bias uncovered in kidney transplantation system: Thousands of Black patients prioritized after years of waiting

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Five years ago, Arlette Ebanks experienced severe kidney pain that she believed suggested a criminal need for a transplant. Her doctors disagreed, but the 52-year-old Northeast, D.C., resident, and mother of two who worked for the Department of Transportation for more than half of her life until her deteriorating health landed her on permanent disability, had grown ever more anxious as health care providers attempted various measures of maintenance.
Recently, physicians at George Washington University Hospital told Ebanks that she should have been on the transplant list, and understandably, Ebanks wondered why previous doctors hadn’t done so.  Now, Ebanks knows why. “All this time, all this stress and worry, was all because I’m Black,” Ebanks stated with intense incredulity in an interview with the Washington Informer.
At issue is a once widely used test that overestimated how well Black people’s kidneys were functioning, making them look healthier than they really were. An automated formula calculated results for Black and non-Black patients that were far different from those of others, delaying organ failure diagnosis and, ultimately, proper evaluation for a kidney transplant.

The disparity only exacerbated existing inequities, with Black patients being more susceptible to needing a new kidney but less likely to receive one. “On the one hand,” Ebanks remarked, “I have not only been put on the waiting list, but moved up to where I am now more confident that I will get a new kidney. On the other hand, it’s infuriating that we keep seeing how racism in medicine, bias in healthcare, is causing unnecessary pain and suffering among African Americans.”
The U.S. organ transplant network has now ordered hospitals and care facilities to use race-neutral test results only when adding new patients to the kidney transplant waiting list. Further, the National Kidney Foundation and the American Society of Nephrology told laboratories to transition to race-neutral equations when calculating kidney function.
The policy shift has led to major adjustments, and between January 2023 and mid-March 2024, over 14,300 Black candidates had their wait times recalibrated, resulting in more than 2,800 successful transplants, including Ebanks.
Dr. Nwamaka Eneanya, an assistant professor at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania Health System, emphasized the detrimental impact of race-based equations on clinical decisions, particularly in assessing renal function.
Dr. Eneanya, a vocal advocate for removing race from medical equations, highlighted the lack of biological differences between races and the inherent flaws in using race-based multipliers. She told her university’s newspaper that, despite mounting evidence, many clinicians continue to rely on these outdated practices, perpetuating harm to Black patients. “Human genome studies have shown there are no inherent biological differences between races,” Dr. Eneanya stated. “Those studies reporting that Black people had greater muscle mass were flawed, but no one questioned them.”

As the director of Health Equity, Anti-Racism, and Community Engagement at Penn Medicine, Dr. Eneanya spearheads internal initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the Renal Electrolyte and Hypertension Division. Additionally, she is actively involved in community outreach programs to address racial disparities in kidney disease awareness and screening.
“Not everyone approaches medicine with a health equity lens. Many clinicians are not aware of existing disparities — how Black patients do not get referred to nephrology as early as white patients and do not have sufficient access to transplant [procedures],” she asserted. “In medicine, the tendency is to say, ‘This is what a study showed, so this is what we should do,’ focusing on biomarkers and statistical tests without examining issues of ethics or health equity.”
Dr. Eneanya noted that the revelation of racial bias within the kidney transplantation system underscores the pressing need for reformative measures to ensure equitable healthcare access for all individuals, regardless of race or ethnicity.
“I sit on a joint American Society of Nephrology-National Kidney Foundation task force that is revising formal eGFR reporting guidelines to exclude racial bias,” Dr. Eneanya stated. “Many physicians across the country, including some at Penn, have stopped using the race multiplier already. And while the eGFR is a frontline test for kidney function, there are other tests that don’t incorporate race. When there is any doubt about the accuracy of an eGFR score, other confirmatory tests that do not use race should be performed.”

 

County Commission enters cooperative agreement with Eutaw City for road repair

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The Greene County Commission met in regular session, Monday, April 8, 2024 with all commissioners present.The commission approved the preparation of a cooperative agreement with the City of Eutaw to fix County Road 76 where the city has a water tower located. Eutaw Mayor Latosha Johnson stated the road is in dire repair and ADECA has provided resources to the city for personnel and material cost needed for the repair. The city is requesting the use of machinery needed for the repair.
At the commission’s work session, held Wednesday, April 3, the Engineer’s office recommended that the commission develop a policy and agreement for municipalities to borrow county equipment. The county’s attorney had not yet prepared the policy and agreement draft, thus the commission approved the short term cooperative arrangement with Eutaw City regarding use of county equipment for County Road 76.
Mayor Johnson and various commissioners voiced similar statements that we are one community and must come to the aid of each other whenever we can.
The commission also took the following actions:
* Approved appointment of Mrs. Loretta Webb Wilson to EMS Board, on a 4-1 vote.
* Approve hiring Ms. Shamira Means as Appraisal Clerk.
* Approved Tax Revenue Enhancement Agreement with Avenu for Tax Revenue Administration.
* Approved Diversifies Computer Service Agreement for Highway Department.
* Approved to mill up county Road 136 and make it a dirt road.
* Approved CDBG Form 5 for March.
* Approved proposal for courthouse roof repair.
* Approved option 2 proposal for courthouse foyer and bathroom renovation.
* Approved updating EOP Plan.
* Approved AAEM membership dues for EMA Director and Assist. Director at $50 each.
* Approved EMA Assist. Director attendance at Alabama Disaster Preparedness Conference.
Tabled rental prices for Eutaw Activity Center.
The commission went into a brief executive session with no actions following.
CFO, Macaroy Underwood presented the following financial reports for March, 2024.
Citizen Trust Bank unrestricted funds – $3,239,276.54; restricted funds – $4,572,897.07.
Merchants & Farmers Bank unrestricted funds – $6,205,138,58; restricted funds – $6,102,613.14; total bond investments -$895,755.12. Accounts payable totaled $517,295.10; payroll transfer totaled $329,107.34; fiduciary totaled $32,822.28; electronic claims totaled $52,678.19. In the General Fund Budget, recap 57% is left overall.

Madison Mills crowned as Ms. Debutante 2024

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L to R : Paris Henderson, Madison Mills and Katelyn Perry  and Debutantes : Kalyjah Allen, Paris Henderson, Shaniah Jones, Amber Lewis, Madison Mills, Tia Moore, Katelyn Perry, Ariel Richardson, Hannah Robinson. Escorts : Demarcus Allen, Darrack Davis, TJ Hatch, Jayden Lewis, Marcus Steele II, Tavis White , Camden Williams, John Foster

Greene County Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated held its 38th Debutante Ball on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Eutaw Activity Center in Eutaw, AL. Nine lovely young ladies made their debut to families and friends.

Debutante Madison Mills of Tuscaloosa, AL was crowned Miss Debutante 2024. First Runner up was Debutante Katelyn Perry of Moundville, AL and Second Runner up was Debutante Paris Henderson of Epes, AL.

The guests enjoyed an elegant evening that was An Extraordinary Affair. Dr. Florence Williams is the Chapter President and Mrs. Nancy Cole and Ms. Sharon White were Committee Co-Chairs.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell holds ‘Congress in Your Community’ meeting in Forkland

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Forkland Mayor Charlie McAlpine and Congresswoman Terri Sewell

On Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Noon, Congresswoman Terri Sewell held a ‘Congress in Your Community’ visit to the Forkland City Hall, a municipality in southern Greene County.
Congresswoman Sewell, who represents the Alabama 7th Congressional District which stretches from Birmingham to Tuscaloosa and the western Black Belt counties of Alabama, including Greene County, was introduced by Mayor Charlie McAlpine of Forkland.
Sewell made brief remarks about her work n Congress in passing the FY 2024 budget and working on the FY 2025 budget. Then she moved around informally talking to her constituents from table to table.
Sewell said this format gave her a chance to hear about the needs and problems of people in her district. “It was like holding office hours in the field,” she remarked.
More than a 100 people attended the meeting and received a lunch courtesy of the Town of Forkland.