Newswire Jones raises ethics concerns over Tuberville’s investment in data center industry By Alex Jobin, Alabama Political Reporter
photo from the Doug Jones Campaign At a recent press conference, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Doug Jones questioned Republican opponent U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville’s prolific congressional stock trading and personal investments in the AI data center industry. Jones argued that Tuberville’s support for AI data center development in Alabama raises serious ethics concerns and called for reforms to Alabama’s financial disclosure system to prevent statewide officials from using public office to enrich themselves. See Doug Jones, p. 6
CEOs earn 614 times more than workers at US’s 100 lowestpaying corporations By Michael Sainato, The Guardian UK
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos photo by Miguel J Rodriguez Carrillo, Worker by NY Times Analysis by Institute for Policy Studies found that between 2019 and 2025, CEO compensation increased 41.4% The average CEO of the US’s 100 largest, lowestpaying corporations earned 614 times more than their average worker last year, according to an analysis by the Institute for Policy Studies (IPS). See Amazon, p. 6
US votes against UN-endorsed new world map to correct Africa’s size By Angela Bronner, Newsone
Eutaw City Council meets to discuss contracts for city improvements Eutaw City Council met for a regular session on September 8th, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall. Mayor Corey Cockrell, administrators, and council members were present. Councilman Woodruff established decorum before the council entered an executive session for approximately fifteen minutes. The agenda was amended to include items 7 and 8 that were discussed during the session; no other decisions were made. Mayor Cockrell began his report by thanking the councilmembers for their diligence and vigilance within their respective districts. He implored citizens to continue discouraging
The Business of Educating Black Parents, Teachers and Kids By BlackPressUSA Newswire
ST. LOUIS AMERICAN — Bolanle Ambonisye founded U&I-RISE, an education business that provides parenting programs, books, and training for schools and educators, with a particular focus on Black families. The concept for U&I-RISE was shaped by Ambonisye’s experiences as a teacher, where she observed parents deferring their authority to her. Bolanle Ambonisye knew she had stumbled onto something when parents began using her name to get their children to behave. See The Business of Educating Black Parents, p. 7
See City Council , p. 2
The Democrat Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Vol. 135, No. 35
75¢ Serving West Alabama Like No Other Community Newspaper Alabama New South Coalition to hold Fall Convention in Montgomery on Saturday, September 26, 2026
The Alabama New South Coalition (ANSC) will hold its 43rd Fall Convention on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at the RSA Activity Center, at 201 Dexter Avenue in Mont-
gomery, Alabama, from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Registration is $50 for members and non-members. The theme of the meeting is “ Building Bridges, Not Walls, Our Path to Freedom”. There will be workshops, final endorsement of candidates and amendments to be on the November 3, General Election ballot, election of ANSC state officers and other important business for the statewide Black and progressive voters’ organization. The luncheon speaker is
slated to be the Honorable Kristen Clarke, former Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, under President Obama, and currently General Counsel for the NAACP. She is a great speaker and will talk about the attacks on voting rights and what the response of organizations like ANSC and grassroots people should be to these attacks. There will be a workshop on the importance of voting, registering those over 18 that will be eligible to vote November 3, encouraging the participation
of youth in voting and increasing turnout to show the power of the Black vote in statewide, Congressional and multi-county races. Hank Sanders, President Emeritus of ANSC said, “These are critical times for our country, our state and our Alabama New South Coalition. We are all working on making our country and our state better places to live, despite challenges from the President and Congress. See ANSC, p. 2
Dancy announces write-in campaign for District 5 School Board Seat I, Carrie Dancy, am launching my write-in campaign for District 5 School Board Seat, for the November 3, 2026 General Election. I am a longtime servant of Greene County and a former member of the Greene County Board of Education, District 5. During my years of service, I worked alongside educators, families, students, and community members with a commitment to strengthening the local school system and advocating for students.
World map from PytyCzech
See New World Map, p. 6
Councilmembers Valerie Watkins, Carrie Logan, and Lorenzo French that staff is working on locating the owners of properties in every district that violate Ordinance No. 2024-20-06 # 6: Ordinance Regulating
Greene County
The UN resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by the 55-member African Union, passed with 164 member states in favor.
The United Nations General Assembly voted overwhelmingly on Friday, September 4, to endorse a new map of Africa, intended to correct centuries of cartographic “creativity.” The UN resolution, sponsored by Togo and backed by the 55-member African Union, passed with 164 member states in favor. The only country to cast a vote against the measure was the United States, and six other countries — Serbia, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Moldova, and Ukraine — abstained.
Eutaw City Hall roof construction littering and "speak life into the city of Eutaw." He reported that construction on City Hall's roof is on schedule and the city's workers are striving to ensure Eutaw is "looking good." He also assured
Grass and Weed Nuisances, Accumulation of Rubbish, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles, Abandoned/Dilapidated Structures, and other Nuisances. Councilman French requested that they urgently start ticketing properties with hazardous debris. Councilwoman Watkins named a home on O'Neal Street in such condition. Property owners, business and residential, who reside outside of the city are still held liable. The ordinance will be reposted on greenecodemocrat.com along with enforcement procedures.
After coming within 47 votes of retaining my seat, I am still committed. I will remain engaged in the community and continue my interest in the future of Greene County schools. I understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing a rural school community. My focus remains on students, supporting educators, listening to families, and contributing to thoughtful decisions that help move Greene County schools forward. I am a candidate with a
history of service, a connection to the community, and a continued commitment to the children and families of Greene County and will continue to stand for our community. I ask that you write-in Carrie Dancy on voting day November 3, 2026. I bring my experience, knowledge, and years of service on the Greene County School Board for District 5. United We Stand, Divided We Fall. We need your support
Local agency provides interactive dementia education for nurses and Eutaw seniors The Alabama Area Agency on Aging recently visited Eutaw, Alabama, to offer educational sessions for nursing home staff and Eutaw seniors. They supplied resources, information, and helpful advice on preventing and caring for people with dementia. Each session included interactive elements that helped participants understand a dementia patient’s condition and perspective. The Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama aims to promote independence, dignity, and quality of life for older adults, those with disabilities, and their caregivers. They serve the counties of Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa. They provide a wide range of services in each community, such as caregiver support, insurance counseling, health promotion classes, and ad-
Nursing Home Administrators with Agency Representatives vocacy for residents in long-term care facilities. Recently, Dementia Friendly Project Coordinator Delane Poague secured the BOLD (Building Our Largest Dementia Infrastructure for Alzheimer's
Act) Grant to provide community paramedic dementia training to hospitals and senior centers. Poague and agency representatives Kayla Clark and Karlenne Renna are traveling to West Alabama counties to de-
liver dementia-friendly training to businesses and host BOLD Memory Cafes for seniors. See Area Agency on Aging, p. 8
Page 2, The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Carol’s Notes
Indian Summer
They call it Indian Summer When the early days of Fall are toasty warm and the evenings bring a cooling lull. Still we hesitate to discard summer duds for the trappings of approaching winter. We relish that in-between climatic phase that carries football season, homecoming and parades. They call it Indian Summer We think of red and gold leaves and browning grass. The sunshine’s more congenial if we could keep hurricanes at bay. They call it Indian Summer Harvest time, time to gather reaping the benefits of half a year of tilling and sowing and chopping. They call it Indian Summer And we should reflect on the first people of this land who, willing to share their fruits, welcomed invaders who notedly had come to kill and confiscate. They call it Indian Summer The early days of a Peoples' Fall. Carol Prejean Zippert
Renaissance Theater Free Movie series continues on Friday, September 11 at 6:00 pm
City Council During councilmember reports, Councilwoman Tracey Hunter asks citizens to keep Branch Heights uplifted in prayers, especially regarding the safety of their youth. Councilwoman Logan announced a Blue Mass Serivce on September 10th at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 6:00 pm in rememberance of 9/11. Jonathan Councilman Woodruff complimented the work done on Robert Young Community Center's Roof and reported that a meeting with the Finance Committee will be scheduled soon. The following agenda items were approved during the session: -Grover and Frazier General Contracting for Shutters to be installed at City Hall; racing commission funds will cover the amount agreed upon -Revised Supplemental
Loan #1 Application FormRevised on August 17, 2026 -Quote from Red Clay Concrete Company LLC for National Guard Armory -FY27 American Red Cross Campaign Pledge -Registration, travel, and per diem for Councilwoman Watkins to attend NLC in Nashville, TN, November 19-22, 2026 -Payment of bills -Approval for hazard mitigation plan as devised by the Greene County EMA -Disciplinary hearing for Officer Chief Kendrick Howell During public comments, multiple citizens echoed concerns about big trucks damaging roads and road signs in their districts. Ms. Faye Tyree has observed trucks continuously passing through undesignated areas, creating holes in the asphalt. One citizen
asked if the city will enforce designated areas for big truck traffic; no confirmation was given. John Cashin from Eutaw’s Airport Authority Board also came with a progress update. The board is working to remedy the airport’s remaining two violations, resurfacing the runway and moving a beacon. Cashin is seeking permission to move the beacon and renovate a fire engine into a parade vehicle, as the land and vehicle are under city jurisdiction. Administrator Joe Powell explained that under the agreement between the board and the city, he would be allowed to do so using Airport Authority Board funds. The next city council meeting is scheduled for September 22, 2026, at 5:00 pm in City Hall and live on the City of Eutaw Facebook.
We are also working to make our ANSC stronger, so it will help to make our country and state stronger. We invite you and need you to come and participate in this convention. We need you to encourage others in your community and county to attend. A strong Alabama New South Coalition is absolutely necessary to deal with these terrible and dangerous
times.” Sylvia Fitts, ANSC Board Chair said, “ We must remember that every issue is a voting issue. Bring your local issues and concerns to this convention so ANSC can plan to work on them before and continuing after November 3rd.” Garria Spencer, Greene County ANSC Chapter President announced that the local chapter would be
meeting on Thursday, September 17 at 5:00 PM, at Sandra Walker’s office, to prepare for the Fall Convention and select delegates to the convention. If you need additional information on the ANSC Fall Convention, contact Shelley Fearson, State Coordinator at 334-262-0932.
ANSC
--NoticeThe Greene County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments is hosting its Tenth (10th) Fire Fighters Award Banquet Ball on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Robert Brown Middle School 720 Greensboro Street , Eutaw, AL For additional information, please contact Hodges Smith, President, at 205-657-1294. Geraldine S. Walton, Banquet Chairperson at 205-799-1394 or your local fire department located in Greene County. The seating is limited, and there will be no admission collected at the door. The doors will open at 5:00 p.m. Hodges Smith President
FREE ADMISSION Carol Zippert’s Poetry Books Available Signed copies of Carol P. Zippert’s second book of poetry are available through the Greene County Democrat Meeting Myself ‘Round The Corner published by New South Books, Montgomery, AL
Poetry Book Order Form
Please Send ______ Copies of poetry book, Meeting Myself ‘Round The Corner, at $20; plus $5.00 shipping & handling to: ______ Copies of poetry book, I Don’t Want To Be Rich, Just Able at $20; plus $5.00 shipping & handling to: Name________________________________________ Address______________________________________ _______________________________________ Mail to Carol P. Zippert, P.O. Box 82; Eutaw, Alabama 35462
Community Calendar September 27-St. Paul United Methodist Church will host their Annual Homecoming Program at 2:00 p.m. Pastor Phrelle O. Fowler of Morning Star Church, Holt, AL, along with his Choir and congregation, will be the guest speaker. Pastor LaYonya M. Brown is the church pastor. The public is invited. October 18- Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church cordially invite you and your church family to join use as we celebrate our 97th Church Anniversary the Rev. Antwon Plott will be the guest speaker, at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Kenneth Gilmore church pastor.
-Wanted-
220 Prairie Ave. Eutaw, AL 35462. (205)-723-9821
Carol’s first book, I Don’t Want To Be Rich, Just Able is also available through the Democrat
.
Death of a Fat Man A novel by Senator Hank Sanders Available at The Greene County Democrat $26 plus $4 shipping and handling
Contact:The Greene County Democrat P.O. Box 598, Eutaw, AL 35462
Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church of Boligee, Alabama is prayerfully seeking a full-time pastor to lead and grow our membership through preaching, teaching, shepherding and providing overall spiritual leadership. It is required that the chosen male pastor is Holy Ghost-filled and is married to a female wife. Please send resumes and inquiries to: Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, PO Box 158, Boligee, AL 35443. (Placing this ad is Deacon Detrick Hodges. My phone number is 205-496-9523.)
The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Page 3
One Book–One Community Reading a Huge Success
On February 1, 2022 the Greene County Children’s Policy Council launched the “Read Greene Read” project to get all Greene Countians exicited about reading. After gathering support from local authors, Jocelyn Steele and Mynecia Steele, the council held a One Book-One Community reading on August 9, 2026. Jocelyn Steele read and discussed her book “The Square Nose Pig” and Mynecia Steele read and discussed her book “Picture That.” Every individual at the event was given an autographed copy of “Picture That” and received a delicious soul food dinner. All school age children attending the event received a bookbag filled with school supplies. According to Judge Lillie Jones-Osborne, the next reading will take place in December 2026. The council invites all Greene Countians to join the “Read Greene Read” campaign.
Woman to Woman hosts 2nd annual “Cars and Coffee” event
Pictured above – Carole Fleming (left) & Johnnie Knott, (right) Chair & CoChair On Monday, September 7 (Labor Day), Woman To Woman proudly hosted its Second Annual Antique Car Show, for Suicide Prevention in Eutaw, Alabama. This special event brought together car enthusiasts, families, community partners, and supporters from across the region to raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health. Dr. Jannice Eatmon, Event Specialist, elaborated on the importance of remembering dialing 988 for assistant, when needed. What started as a vision to combine community engagement with a meaningful cause continued to grow in its second year. Attendees enjoyed an impressive display of classic, antique, and customized vehicles while also participating in an import conversation about hope, healing, and the importance of mental wellness. As Founder of Woman To Woman, I am sincerely
grateful for the overwhelming support received from our participants, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and community members. Your presence and contributions helped make this event a tremendous success and furthered our mission of educating, encouraging, and supporting individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. The Second Annual Car Show was more than just an exhibition of beautiful automobiles. It served as a platform to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and remind those who may be struggling that help is available and that they are never alone. Through community involvement and open dialogue, we can continue to create an environment where people feel empowered to seek support and share their stories. Suicide prevention requires ongoing commitment, compassion, and understanding. Every conversation matters. Every act of kindness makes a difference. Every life is valuable. Woman To Woman
remains dedicated to advocating for mental health awareness and providing resources that promote hope and healing throughout our communities. We honor the memories of those we have lost, stand beside those facing challenges, and work tirelessly to build a future where no one suffers in silence. On behalf of Woman To Woman, thank you to everyone who helped make our Second Annual Car Show for Suicide Prevention a memorable and impactful event. Your support strengthens our mission and inspires us to continue this important work. Together, we can raise awareness, save lives, and spread hope throughout our communities. A special THANK YOU to CHIEF KENDRICK HOWELL and his department for a superb job in protecting and escorting our cars for the parade. With Much Gratitude, we remain Johnnie Knott, Mary Beck-Knott & Dr. Jannice Eatmon
Greene County Water and Sewer Authority P.O. Box 751 253 Harris Avenue Eutaw, Al 35462 Phone: 205 372-1661 or 205-372-1662 Fax: 205-372-1660 Dear Greene County Water Customers: As of November 2026, we have to raise rates to meet debt obligations. The USDA is requiring that the Greene County Water and Sewer Authority rates be applied equally acoss the county both North and South areas. Our cost of purchasing water has increased. The new rates will be as follows: Residential Minimum bill-2,000 gallons Each Additional 1,000 gallons
$28.06 (plus tax) $7.64 (plus tax)
Commercial: First 2,00 gallons Each Additional 1,000 gallons
$50.99 (plus tax) $7.64 (plus tax)
Our rates will stablize and not be dependent on having to purchase from other, once our new well is in place. If you have any question, please call us.
Page 4, The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Greene County The Democrat The Greene County Democrat newspaper is published each Wednesday by the Greene County Democrat Newspaper Company, Inc., 206 Prairie Avenue, Eutaw, Alabama (USSR 700680). Subscription rate in county is $25 per year; elsewhere in Alabama, $30; and out of state, $35.
Rural Health Transformation funding did not reach Greene County Health System Anderson Family Care in Demopolis received $177,961 to establish weekend clinic hours, with Greene County listed among the counties served.
Publishers: John and Carol Zippert Editor: Maya Quinn Office Manager: Barbara Hunter The Greene County Democrat 206 Prairie Avenue P.O. Box 598 Eutaw, AL 35462 Phone: 205-372-3373 Fax: 205-372-2243 Website:greenecodemocrat.com & facebook
By Rodgerick Williams, GCHS CEO I respectfully disagree with the characterization that the first $144 million in Rural Health Transformation funding “touched all 67 counties. This is the money that President Trump placed in his “Big Beautiful Bill” to help rural hospitals and defray some of the cuts in Medicaid and Medicare, which are and will hurt rural hospitals.
“Why the long face? Aren’t you excited about my gilded ballroom?”
Whatever happened to 9 to 5?
By Julianne Malveaux (TriceEdneyWire.com) Dolly Parton left us rhinestones, laughter, business savvy—and one heck of a labor anthem. Her 1980 hit “9 to 5” was catchy enough for the dance floor and pointed enough for a picket line. Workers did the labor; bosses took the credit. Women supplied the ideas; men got the promotions. Sound familiar? Forty-six years later, the daytime job remains, but the contained workday is disappearing. The movie 9 to 5, starring Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, gave us Franklin Hart, a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.” Hart sexually harassed Doralee, lied that they were having an affair, stole Violet’s ideas, promoted a less-qualified man she had trained, and fired a worker for discussing her salary. The man misbehaved; the women paid the price. Sexual harassment, unequal pay, discriminatory promotion, wage secrecy, and workplace surveillance—9 to 5 packed a seminar on women at work into 109 funny minutes. Franklin Hart is alive and well. He got a makeover. Perhaps he is Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has removed women and Black officers from promotion lists while claiming to restore merit. Today’s Hart replaces crude insults with corporate jargon. But women still watch men take credit for their ideas and train men who are promoted over them. Black women know this workplace, even when the movie did not fully know us. Black actresses Renn Woods and Norma Donaldson played Barbara and Betty, minor workers pushed to the margins. The heroines were white, and race was missing from the film’s analysis. Too often, white feminists said “women” when they meant white women. Black women were expected to choose between race and gender, as if either could be checked at the of-
fice door. We recognize Violet because too many of us have trained the person later promoted over us. We recognize Doralee, judged by her appearance and blamed for a powerful man’s behavior. We know the penalty for speaking plainly. A white man is forceful. A Black woman saying the same thing is angry, intimidating, or— my favorite—“not collegial.” Office and administrative-support jobs employ about one in ten American workers but 15 percent of employed Black women. We were never incidental to the American office, even when Hollywood treated us as scenery. Black women were not centered in 9 to 5, but one became central to another Parton classic. Dolly wrote “I Will Always Love You”; Whitney Houston transformed it into a global phenomenon. Parton invested some royalties in a Black Nashville neighborhood, calling the property “the house that Whitney built.” Giving a Black woman credit did not diminish Dolly. Whitney’s brilliance made the song—and its writer—larger. Some bosses could learn from that. Let’s not romanticize the old office. White men occupied executive suites, white women clustered around typewriters, and Black women were too often relegated to cleaning offices. We encountered both a concrete ceiling and a sticky floor. Still, the traditional job offered boundaries. You knew who employed you, what you would earn, and when you could go home. In 2017– 18, 84 percent of wageand-salary workers had regular daytime schedules. But daytime work does not guarantee predictable pay, adequate hours, benefits, or freedom from the boss after five. The eight-hour day has been stretched, scrambled, and digitized. For some professionals, flexibility is a blessing. But flexibility for whom? Employer flexibility is often worker instability. Some workers receive schedules only days in advance. Others are called in when needed, sent home when business slows, or forced to piece together several jobs. Gig workers are called independent, but platform companies often decide which jobs they see, influence their pay, monitor their per-
Greene County may appear on a state list as a county “served,” but Greene County Health System—the hospital, nursing home and clinic actually located in Greene County—received $0 from this round of funding. That distinction matters. Money awarded to an organization outside Greene County should not automatically be characterized as an investment in Greene County simply because the applicant listed our residents as part of its service area. In fact, some of the awards credited to Greene County went to healthcare providers that can compete for the same patients our local healthcare system is trying to serve.
DCH received $2 million for non-emergency transportation medical across West Alabama, including Greene County, and another $3 million for cardiovascular recruitment with Greene County again listed in its service area. Other multimillion-dollar awards to universities and healthcare organizations also list Greene County as a county served. Greene Meanwhile, County Health System received nothing. That means funding can be counted as “touching” Greene County even when the money never comes to Greene County Health System. In some instances, funding actually the strengthens organizations outside our county that can transport Greene County residents elsewhere or provide services to Greene County patients outside our local health system. In some ways, the distribution of these critical healthcare resources follows a familiar pattern, lipservice to the needs in rural Black Belt counties without the real follow-through of providing direct funding to the poorest counties, with large populations of Black people. There is another issue that deserves serious dis-
cussion: workforce development. Alabama desperately needs CNAs, LPNs and RNs in its rural communities. Yet the Alabama Community College System received only $783,540 in these first-round workforce awards, while individual university initiatives received awards in the millions. I am not arguing that those programs have no value. I am asking a much more fundamental question. What does it mean to say funding “touched” a rural county? If Greene County receives $0 for its local health system while millions of dollars awarded elsewhere are credited to Greene County because those organizations say they will serve our residents, then we should not confuse a county appearing on an award's service-area list with an actual investment in that county's healthcare infrastructure. Greene County Health System submitted projects designed to strengthen healthcare, transportation and workforce development here in the poorest county in Alabama. We received $0. That is the number Greene County residents deserve to know. And I want our community to pay attention to something else: Make sure your elected officials are supporting Greene County Hospital. I hear people say that
both the hospital and the ambulance service need funding, but I only hear our elected officials asking for money for the ambulance while the hospital continues to receive little in new funding. Politics aside, when you or someone you love needs a hospital, you will want that hospital to have the basic equipment, staffing and resources necessary to meet the standard of care. And this is bigger than Greene County residents. Thousands of people travel I-20/59 through Greene County. If you have a heart attack, stroke, serious accident or other medical emergency while traveling between Meridian and Tuscaloosa, Greene County Hospital may be the closest hospital when minutes matter. We are not asking for luxuries. We are asking for the resources necessary to provide basic healthcare and meet the standard of care for everyone who comes through our doors. Greene County Hospital deserves the same support our elected officials are asking others to provide for the ambulance service. Supporting the ambulance and supporting the hospital should never be an either/or decision. Greene County needs both. This story originally appeared as a social media post in the community facebook group “What’s Happening in Greene County”
America's reading crisis demands more than concern. It demands action.
By Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League (TriceEdneyWire.com) New York City’s troubling decline in reading scores, despite one of the most ambitious literacy reform efforts in the nation, is a wakeup call for the entire nation. Across the country, reading achievement continues to decline. Nearly 40 percent of fourth graders read below the basic level and roughly a third of eighth graders are reading below basic, the highest share ever recorded. Taken together, these numbers reveal a national literacy crisis that threatens economic opportunity, educational equity, and our nation's future competitiveness. Reading is not merely another subject in school. Reading is the foundation upon which all learning rests. A child who struggles to read struggles to learn Let’s call this what it is: a transfer of risk from capital to labor. Employers once carried the cost when business was slow. Now workers absorb it through canceled shifts, inadequate hours, unpredictable pay, and unpaid availability. The boss gets flexibility; the worker gets anxiety. Time is part of a worker’s compensation. When an employer claims your evenings, changes your schedule without notice, or
history, science, mathematics, and civics. A young person who cannot effectively read and analyze complex information faces barriers to college completion, workforce success, and informed participation in our democracy. That is why the growing literacy crisis is fundamentally an opportunity crisis. Behind every percentage point is a child whose future opportunities hang in the balance. Persistent achievement gaps mean that Black and Latino students continue to bear a disproportionate share of the consequences when reading instruction falls short. If we are serious about economic mobility and educational justice, literacy must be at the center of the conversation. For more than two decades, many schools embraced Balanced Literacy approaches that sought to cultivate a love of reading by putting books in students' hands and encouraging independent reading. The approach was well-intentioned, but too often foundational skills instruction, particularly phonics and decoding, suffered. The evidence is increasingly clear that explicit, systematic instruction helps more children become successful readers. States and school districts that are embracing these
principles deserve credit for moving in the right direction. But millions of students are already in middle school, high school, and even college struggling to read complicated texts, analyze difficult arguments, and complete entire books. What is our plan for them? Too many students arrive in high school lacking the reading stamina necessary to engage deeply with literature, history, or complex informational texts. College professors increasingly describe students who struggle with lengthy assignments that previous generations navigated more comfortably. To be clear, Balanced Literacy alone cannot explain these trends. Increased screen time, constant digital distractions, shortened attention spans, and the dominance of algorithm-driven content all influence students' reading habits and learning experiences. Yet recognizing these factors cannot become an excuse for inaction. Instead, it should compel us to think more broadly about literacy. The challenge before us is not simply helping children sound out words. It is helping them develop the capacity to wrestle with complex ideas, sustain attention, evaluate evidence,
and build knowledge through reading. It is helping them become informed citizens and lifelong learners. And that requires a comprehensive, systemic strategy. We need high-quality literacy instruction beginning in early childhood settings and extending throughout elementary school. We need to strengthen early intervention so that struggling readers receive support before learning gaps become entrenched. We must carefully examine the quality and effectiveness of programs serving our youngest learners, including Head Start and other early childhood initiatives. At the same time, we need a national commitment to literacy recovery for older students. Districts and states should be developing evidence-based strategies that help adolescents strengthen comprehension, vocabulary, knowledge-building, and engagement with complex texts. Students who fell behind during the pandemic and those who continue to struggle deserve intensive support, not lowered expectations.
expects you to wait unpaid for work, that employer is taking something of value. The office closes, but the email keeps coming. The laptop becomes an electronic leash.
and onsite childcare. Morale improved, and productivity rose by 20 percent. Their flexibility served workers, not merely the boss.
made exploitation danceable. She did not make it acceptable. Workers fought for the eight-hour day, and they will have to fight again for predictable hours, decent pay, and the right to be left alone. The boss may have become software, but exploitation is still exploitation—even when there is an app for it.
A contained workday was not a gift from generous employers. Workers organized and fought for it. The women in 9 to 5 also changed their workplace, introducing equal pay, flexible schedules, job sharing,
This Labor Day, we should ask more than how many jobs America created. Are they jobs worth having? Do they provide living wages, predictable hours, benefits, dignity, and the right to turn off the telephone? Dolly Parton
See Marc H. Morial, p. 7
Dr. Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author.
One Black Governor at a time is not enough
By Kevin Harris (TriceEdneyWire.com) When Maryland Governor Wes Moore was recently elected chair of the National Governors Association, he made history as the first African American to lead the bipartisan organization representing the nation’s governors. It was a milestone worth celebrating—not only because it broke another barrier, but because it reminded us how rare Black governors have been in American history. Too often, when America elects an African American governor, that leader serves alone. When Virginians elected Douglas Wilder in 1989, he became the first African American ever elected governor in the United States. It was a watershed moment that many hoped would usher in a new era of Black executive leadership. Instead, Wilder remained an exception for years. More than a decade later, Massachusetts elected Deval Patrick, making him only the second African American elected governor since Reconstruction. Once again, history was made, but once again, he largely stood alone. Today, Wes Moore is only the third African American since Reconstruction ever elected governor, and now the first to chair the National Governors Association. Currently, Moore is America’s only Black governor. His achievement is extraordinary, but it also underscores the uncomfortable truth that for Black folks there can only be one historic “first” at a time. That isolation matters. Governors are among the most powerful elected officials in America. They shape education policy, oversee criminal justice systems, expand or restrict access to healthcare, drive economic development, appoint judges, administer elections, and sign or veto legislation that directly affects millions of lives. For African American communities, gubernatorial leadership can influence everything from maternal health and voting access to public school funding, environmental justice, housing, and entrepreneurship. One Black governor can make a difference. But several Black governors working together can lead the national conversation on many critical issues impacting African Americans. We came remarkably close to that reality in 2018. Andrew Gillum in Florida, Ben Jealous in Maryland, and Stacey Abrams in Georgia inspired millions of voters and built historic coalitions. Their campaigns energized new voters and demonstrated that Black candidates could compete successfully for the highest
office in their states. But each fell just short on Election Day. Their defeats meant that another opportunity to build a meaningful cohort of African American governors slipped away. This election offers another chance. Democrats have the opportunity to re-elect Moore in Maryland while electing Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, David Crowley in Wisconsin, Stacy Plaskett in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina and Aaron Ford in Nevada. Republican Congressman Byron Donalds is also well positioned to become Florida’s first Black governor. In Minnesota, Republican Lisa Demuth is also her party's nominee for governor as well as Republican John James in Michigan. Together, those victories would represent more than individual political successes. They would create something America has never experienced with multiple Black governors serving simultaneously, sharing ideas, influencing one another through the National Governors Association, and shaping state and national policy at the highest levels. A Lance Bottoms, Demuth or Plaskett victory would represent the first time the organization has had a Black woman in membership given that no Black woman has ever been elected governor in the United States. And a victory for Donalds, Demuth or James would represent the first time the organization had the viewpoint of a Black conservative. Having multiple African American governors at that table would strengthen the voices of communities that have too often been underrepresented in executive leadership. For the first time, a group of Black governors could collaborate, exchange policy innovations, influence federal priorities and respond together to national crises. Every generation has inherited the responsibility to protect and expand American democracy, and oftentimes it is Black leadership at the forefront. Douglas Wilder opened the door. Deval Patrick proved the first Black governor was not the last. Wes Moore is demonstrating what Black executive leadership can achieve on the national stage even as Black excellence is under attack as DEI. And 2026 provides another opportunity to move beyond celebrating one history-making governor at a time by electing a generation of Black leaders whose collective influence can shape public policy for decades to come. Kevin Harris is a Democratic strategist who has advised over 100 campaigns and ballot measures, including the past five presidential elections, served in the Obama Administration, as a cabinet member for two big city mayors and Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus.
Send Letters to the Editor The Greene County Democrat P. O. Box 598 Eutaw, AL 35462
The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday,September 9, 2026, Page 5
Senate Sketches #2046.....by Hank Sanders
McRae: An Institution of Excellence McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Like seeds, every institution initially grows in two ways – down and up. Down is via the roots where beginnings are not visible. Up is via shoots which are visible. I want to share the roots and shoots of this institution of excellence. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Faya Rose Toure and I moved to Selma in 1971. We had helped establish The Nellie Lee Clark Elmore Day Center in Baldwin County in the Summer of 1970 before we went to Africa for nearly a year. My Mother, Ola Mae Sanders, was the Owner/Operator. She immediately became a Board member of FOCAL (Federation of Child Care Centers of Alabama). In 1973, our first born, Malika Asha Sanders, was born. Her African name means Angel of Life. We wanted the best day care for our Angel of Life. We wanted the best education for our Angel of Life. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. We heard about Mrs. Mable McRae, a retired teacher. She had a reputation for teaching children to read as young as two years old. Mrs. McRae began the education process of our child, Malika Asha Sanders. Malika was a happy and fast learner. We soon decided that it was not enough for our child to have an excellent education; we wanted other children to have the same. We decided to start a Day Care Center where children could learn to read and write very early. We were inspired by Mrs. Mable McRae so with her permission we named it the McRae Day Care Center. Mable McRae did not start McRae Day Care Center as some assume. Alabama had a policy that Day Care Centers must not teach children to read or write so we did not initially use the word “learning” in the name. But the young children learned to read and write. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. McRae Day Care Center was started in 1976 and later became known as McRae Gaines School and went up to the seventh grade. It was subsequently known as McRae Learning Center (Incorporated in 1992). The first location was seven or so miles from downtown Selma out on Selfield Road near the Dallas County Jail. We were unable to secure a building in Selma for the Center. Therefore, we picked up some of the children in a van from a designated location and transported them to the Selfield location. Some parents drove their children the seven miles morning and afternoon. Faya and I had to purchase the building on time because they refused to rent it to McRae. I would get up early in the morning, pick up some children at the designated location, drive the van to the Selfield Road location and then go to my law office or to Court. Raymond Major would pick some children up in the van in the afternoon and take them back to the designated location in Selma. He would also help in the mornings when I had to go to Court out of town. Eventually McRae got its own van and drivers. Faya helped at the Day Care Center in so many ways. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. The initial director of McRae was Mrs. Linda Gilford, a college graduate.
We initially felt that the Director needed a college degree to make the school excellent. It was not long before Gilford left McRae to start her own Day Care Center. We were in a bind. That’s when Mrs. Ora Lee Gaines, Faya’s mother by birth and my mother by marriage, stepped forward. She was already working at McRae as a teacher. Mrs. Gaines had attended college but left after a year or so to make sure her sisters attended college. She was living in Birmingham but would travel to Selma and stay from Monday to Friday then return to Birmingham for the weekend. McRae really took off when she became director. Nearly everyone called her “Mother Dear,” the name Faya and her siblings called her. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Mother Dear demanded excellence in everything from learning to read and write, to the food served, to the condition of the building, to school programs, to transportation and more. She would review the files of the children. If a child was not performing well, she challenged the teacher. Her mode of operation was as follows: “Every child can learn. If a child is not learning, the teacher is not teaching.” If the child or children did not improve after being challenged, she would take the child or children and teach them herself until they caught up. She made the teacher watch her teaching so they would know firsthand how it should be done. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. McRae not only taught children to read and write early, but taught them their history. The Center had many learning initiatives. It also traveled annually to places across the United States of America and beyond to Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, etc. Parents would bring their children from miles around to attend McRae. One parent drove 75 miles in the morning and 75miles in the evening so her children could get the McRae education experience. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. In the 1980s, the Peoples Bank of Selma foreclosed on a building on Range Street, now Marie Foster Street. We thought the property would make a good location for McRae in Selma. I approached the Selma Peoples Bank President on behalf of McRae. He agreed to sell and finance the building to be used as a Day Care Center. However, he required Faya Rose and me to sign the documents and assume responsibility for paying for the building. We placed the building in the name of the Black Belt Human Resource Center, a nonprofit tax exempt organization but McRae made most of the payments. This location served as the base of operation until a few years ago when the Cedar Park School was closed by the Selma City School Board. McRae acquired the site and operates from that location to this day. You ought to see the school now. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Faya and I continued to help support McRae down through the years. However, others also helped to support the Center in many ways. Attorney Carolyn Gainers Varner, deceased, was one of these. Greene County District Judge Lillie Orsburn was another. Dr. Margaret Hardy was
another. Josephine Curtis was another. The Law Firm of Chestnut, Sanders and Sanders contributed in many ways. Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. helped, serving as Board Chair. Robert Hildreath, a benefactor residing in Massachusetts, helped with financial contributions. Bill Hamm and Stephanie Hamm of Texas helped to secure grants and raise funds. None of these persons were employed by McRae. Two employees, in addition to the directors, must be lifted: Sarah Davis and Carrie Waters. They were on the inside helping in special ways. They continued down through the years to this day. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Mother Dear retired in 2006. Mrs. Bennie Ruth Crenshaw, a retired teacher, served as Director of McRae for a short period of time. Then another retired teacher, Mrs. Sadie Moss, became Director. Mrs. Moss has continued as director. She has found ways to keep McRae operating at a high level. Her leadership and service has continued for many years. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Our three children by birth were gifted with the McRae experience. Our nine grandchildren were also gifted with the McRae experience. Now my great grandchild is enrolled at McRae. Faya and I meet so many who remind us that they or their children or grandchildren were gifted with the McRae experience. McRae is a gift that keeps on giving. McRae: An Institution of Excellence. Now on to the Daily Diary. Saturday, August 29, 2026 – I handled various matters as I worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure of various community organization; Ainka Sanders Jackson of the Selma Center for Nonviolence and Bridge Crossing Jubilee who is recovering from surgery; Barbara Arnwine, leader of the Transformative Justice Coalition; Alabama State Senator Vivian Davis Figures; and Annie Pearl Avery of the Ancient Africa and Enslavement Museum. Sunday – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr. Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105.3 FM 50,000 Watts Radio Station, attended the Gospel Tabernacle Church of God and Christ, and worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following: Sharon Wheeler of the Selma to Montgomery March Foundation; Desiree Robinson of Selma; Dr. Carol P. Zippert of the Society of Folk Art and Culture; and Shelley Fearson of the Alabama New South Coalition. Monday – I walked, handled many matters, participated in a Conference call and worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following: Marilyn Cosby, Amadi Sanders and Karen Jackson of Selma; Law Professor Emerita Martha Morgan; Retired Federal District Judge U. W. Clemon; SCLC National President DeMark Liggins; Phalecia Young of the National Voting Rights Museum; Selma businessman Raymond Craig; Valeria
Cooper of Washington, D.C.; Selma businessman Floyd Hatcher; and Mac Greaves of Birmingham. Tuesday – I handled many matters, attended a meeting of the Craig Field Airport and Industrial Authority (Craig Field Authority) and worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following: Retired College President and Current Chair of the Craig Field Authority Dr. James Mitchell; Vice Chair of the Craig Field Authority Amos Moore; Dallas Commissioner County Connell Towns; John Martin of the office of Congressman Jonathan Jackson; and Montgomery City Council President C.C. Calhoun. Wednesday – I handled various matters, traveled to Montgomery, to deal with a matter, returned to Selma and worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following Jessie Sanders, Junior Oliver and Charlene Williams of Selma; Retired Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick; Karen Jones of Pernila Montgomery; Stimley Brown of Jackson, Mississippi; Dorothy Hulett and Rosie Whiting of Lowndes County; and Congressman Johnathan Jackson. Thursday – I handled various matters, facilitated an SOS Connections podcast, attended another Craig Field Authority Board meeting, chaired the Alabama New South Coalition Dallas County Chapter meeting and participated in conference calls. Among others, I communicated with the following: Television Reporter George McDonald; John Martin of Congressman Jonathan Jackson’s office; Wallace Community College President Dr. Donitha Griffin; Alabama New South Coalition President Everette Wess; D.G. Mosley and Danny Crenshaw of Selma; Norma Jackson of Tuskegee; Sylvia Fitts of Calhoun County; Reverend Jarmal Sanders of Selma; and John Zippert of the Greene County Industrial Development Board; and Dr. Rachael Zippert Chatters of Lake Charles, Louisiana. Friday – I was in my office very early where I handled many matters and worked into the night. Among others, I communicated with the following: Marion Mayor Dexter Hinton; Former Alabama State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier; and Ayiraa Fortier, Asha Fortier and Asa Fortier of Selma. Epilogue – Without history, we never perceive the roots of institutions, organizations, collective initiatives and individual actions. We see what appears in the present, which is only part of the total reality. History enables us to understand the whole. McRae: An Institution of Excellence.
Page 6, The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
EarthTalk® From the Editors of E The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Have there been any innovations in air conditioning technology in recent years to help mitigate climate impacts of staying cool? -- Jason Wilcox, via email As global temperatures have risen and extreme heatwaves have become
Blue Frontier and other emerging companies are redesigning air conditioning systems to use less energy and operate greener and cleaner. more frequent, the demand for air conditioning has surged dramatically. Staying cool is a critical health necessity, but it is a major resource challenge. Conventional cooling systems consume massive amounts of electricity, strain power
grids, and release powerful heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, creating a comenvironmental plex dilemma. Traditional cooling units have effectively trapped society in a compounding environmental problem. As
outdoor temperatures climb, people turn up their air conditioning, which spikes energy demand and increases fossil fuel emissions, ultimately driving further global warming. As Nicole Miranda, an engineer researching sustainable cooling at the University of Oxford, notes regarding this feedback loop, “We're in a vicious cycle,” and “it's not only a vicious cycle, but it's an accelerating one.” To break this loop, climate innovators are develnext-generation oping technologies that rely on completely different principles. Emerging companies like Blue Frontier are redesigning systems using liquid desiccant dehumidification paired with integrated smart energy storage. These advanced systems store cooling capacity and
dramatically reduce grid stress during peak heat periods. Dr. Daniel Betts, CEO of Blue Frontier, states, “We're looking at 50 to 90 percent reductions in energy consumption.” Academic and research institutions are pioneering low-carbon-footprint solutions that sidestep traditional vapor compression constraints entirely. Developers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute have advanced innovative evaporative cooling configurations, known as cSNAP systems, designed to cool air without adding indoor humidity. Their technology employs a "specialized coating [that] isolates incoming hot air from outgoing wet air, allowing the hot air to be cooled by circulating water without adding humidity to the inside of the building."
By using nanoscale surface treatments on materials like 3D-printed ceramic, these low-power heat exchangers deliver efficient thermal comfort while significantly reducing environmental footprints. Researchers are also looking at physics-based solutions whereby specialized surfaces reflect solar radiation and emit thermal energy straight out into cold outer space. Urban planners are integrating AI-driven automated systems to lower microclimate temperatures and shield interiors from solar gain. By combining passive design with ultra-efficient mechanical cooling, cities can successfully mitigate the climate impacts of staying cool.
Doug Jones “In Montgomery and across Alabama, developers are being offered tax incentives and breaks and asked to sign nondisclosure agreements so the conversations about proving these data centers are all done behind closed doors and kept secret,” Jones said at Wednesday’s press conference in Birmingham. “Records are being destroyed in town after town. Families are finding out about hyperscale data centers the size of eight Walmart supercenters that are going to go up only after that deal is done, and they’re hearing it through rumor and word of mouth and not their public officials. Leading the charge on all of this is Tommy Tuberville.” “[Tuberville’s] declared, and I’m quoting, quote, ‘Alabama is doing data centers,’ end quote,” Jones continued. “He’s called the concerns of Alabamians raising noise about water and their power bills, raising concerns about their communities and quality of life, ‘bullcrap.’ That’s what he says to the people of Alabama.” Jones went on to highlight Tuberville’s status as one of the most prolific stock traders on Capitol Hill, specifically noting more than 250 trades involving companies tied to AI and data center development during Tuberville’s first five years in the U.S. Senate. “It appears that Tommy Tuberville is such an AI proponent because he has kept right on investing his money,” Jones said. “In his first five years in the Senate, he reported over 1,350 stock trades. Those stock trades were worth between $18 million and $52 million. … Significantly, more than 250 of those trades involve companies substantially involved in AI and data center development. The total value of just the AI and data center trades sits between $5.2 million and $14 million.” According to Tuberville’s most recent financial disclosures, stocks tied to AI and data centers make up the single largest concentration in the senator’s investment portfolio, Jones said. “Between $500,000 and $1.5 million in AI and data center-linked stocks he owns right now, today, while he asks Alabamians to trust his judgment about data centers,” Jones said. “Look at the stocks he holds: Google, Microsoft, Oracle, Apple, Qualcomm, Accenture—the big AI names. Now, it’s OK to hold those stocks, but to not tell folks and not understand why he is talking about Big Tech the way he does is wrong.” Jones also emphasized Tuberville’s holdings in utilities and power companies, which stand to profit from increased data center development. “Tuberville also owns between $175,000 and $400,000 in utilities, the power companies, and the telecom companies whose profits go up when data centers get built and when electricity prices go up to pay for the next generation,” Jones said. Jones argued that Tuberville’s personal investments in those industries raise significant questions about the Republican nominee’s ability to govern appropriately on issues related to AI, data center development and utility regulation in the state. “He says he’s been meeting with these companies and power companies for two years as he’s planning to run for governor,” Jones said. “What is it he’s learning for his investments in these meetings? What commitments is he making to these power companies and particularly Alabama Power Company and the Southern Company?” Jones also argued that Tuberville’s financial ties to the data center industry are part of a larger pattern in which Tuberville seeks to use public office to enrich himself. “Folks, this is just not one off about data centers. It’s a pattern with Tommy Tuberville,” Jones said. “Tommy Tuberville is all about money and personal wealth. None of this is new behavior for him, whether it’s getting paid millions of dollars to leave a coaching job, or a failed attempt to manage money in a venture known as TS Capital, the hedge fund that defrauded Alabamians of millions of dollars of their retirement funds. His partner went to prison and a confidential civil settlement was entered into after being sued by investors.” “I’m repeatedly asked on the campaign trail, why is Tuberville leaving the Senate?” Jones continued. “Why is he leaving the Senate and not just going home to Florida to fish, play golf? It’s a good question. You got to follow the money.” Jones said he believes Tuberville chose to leave the U.S. Senate and run for governor because a ban on congressional stock trading—which Tuberville has publicly opposed— would impede his ability to profit while in public office. Jones argued that Tuberville could continue doing so as governor because of Alabama’s financial disclosure laws. “It’s clear that a ban on trading by members of Congress is coming. It is growing in momentum,” Jones said. “But as you all know, all of you members of the media know,
Alabama’s ethics laws are as weak as water. You do not have to disclose holdings, much less trades, and Tommy Tuberville never, ever talks about reforming Alabama’s ethics laws.” Jones called on Tuberville to divest from “every share of stock, every option, every position tied to AI data centers and the utilities they serve.” “If he wants to be the governor of Alabama, he cannot be a shareholder in the industry he is asking Alabama to bet its future on,” Jones added. The former senator also proposed a series of reforms to Alabama’s ethics and financial disclosure system, a one-year moratorium on data center development in the state and a ban on stock trading for statewide officeholders. Jones said the Legislature could enact the stock-trading ban during its organizational session after November’s general election. Jones reiterated his view that the data center debate is emblematic of a larger systemic problem in which political leaders can profit from ties to corporations and access to insider information. “Folks, the data center controversy has erupted because people are realizing that it’s the perfect example of why they distrust Alabama elected officials, why they believe that Alabama’s government does not listen or pay attention to them,” Jones said. “It’s true of data centers in Bessemer and in Lowndes County, but also of solar farms in North Baldwin County, or carbon capture facilities in Crenshaw County.” “The way this has been handled in Alabama up to now is just the opposite of democracy,” he continued. “Too many of these deals have been cut in secret through shell companies. A small handful of multi-billionaires are trying to buy state government when they need it, and as usual, the power company seems to be behind it all pulling the strings. And a sitting United States Senator who wants to be your next governor is personally invested.” Jones concluded the press conference by urging Alabama voters to support his candidacy. “Alabama can build data centers, but we can do it right with appropriate guardrails,” Jones said. “And Alabama can do it without a governor who trades the stock of these companies he regulates and calls your questions and your concerns about your communities nothing but ‘bullcrap.’ “I’m running for governor, folks, because I believe the people of this state deserve a government that works for them and with them. A government where everyone has a voice and a seat at the table. A government that is not driven by the stock portfolio of the man sitting behind the big desk in the big office in the state Capitol with all the flags in it.” Jones’ statements come after Tuberville recently announced his plan for data center development in the state, in which the senator said he would make data centers “pay full taxes, cover the total cost of [their] energy, and replace what [they] take” if elected governor. The plan also explicitly opposes Jones’ proposal for a one-year moratorium. Tuberville’s campaign responded to Jones’ comments in a written statement provided to APR. “We expect these desperate attacks from Doug, but like so much of what he says, they are just empty,” Tuberville campaign chair Jordan Doufexis said. “Like many Americans, Coach has a broker who manages his investments and makes day-to-day decisions about when and what to buy or sell. Coach is not making those day-to-day trading decisions. This has been answered and reported on for years.” “DC Doug is grasping for attention,” Doufexis added. “But the real issue for Alabamians is this: who has a plan to protect Alabama families?” Doufexis said that if Tuberville is elected governor, he will ensure local communities have the final say on data centers and their citizens are the beneficiaries; data centers pay the highest tax rate; data centers receive no tax incentives or abatements; and data centers pay for all power and water they use and for replacing that capacity. “Doug Jones can talk all he wants, but Alabama deserves more than a DC lobbyist telling people he wants a one year moratorium as a campaign line,” Doufexis said. “So, what’s Doug’s actual plan?” Jones and Tuberville will face each other in the general election Tuesday, November 3.
New World Map
IPS’s latest executive excess report analyzed compensation at the 100 S…P 500 corporations with the lowest median worker pay. Between 2019 and 2025, CEO compensation increased 41.4%, unadjusted for inflation, twice as much as the median worker pay increased at these firms during the same period, at 20.7%. Inflation also outpaced worker pay increases, rising by 25.9%. The CEO-to-worker pay ratio at the low-wage 100 firms increased 8.4% between 2019 and 2025. The average CEO compensation among low-wage 100 corporations was $17.5M in 2025, compared with median worker pay of $36,571. The wealth of at least 36 billionaires is linked to these low-wage 100 corporations, including Walmart’s eight Walton family members, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Mackenzie Scott, and Carvana co-founders Ernie Garcia II and Ernie Garcia III. “This is really a big problem for society, that we have such extremes,” said Sarah Anderson, lead author of the report and director of the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies. “To me, it seems like these CEOs are just living on a remote economic planet from the one that their employees are living on, and it makes it really hard for them to fathom what it’s like to have to worry about putting food on your family’s table or even coming home at night if you are at risk of being detained by ICE.” The report notes that the low-wage 100 corporations have a combined force of 1,282 registered federal lobbyists and that many of these companies did not denounce aggressive immigration enforcement actions toward their workforce or on their property. “Low-wage workers are now facing the biggest cuts to Medicaid and SNAP [food benefits] in history. Many of the employees at these companies have to rely on those programs, and then so many of them have also been terrorized and detained by ICE agents,” added Anderson. “So it’s really astounding that the leaders of these companies have turned a blind eye to this surge of threats against many of their workers, and instead they’ve just continue to be fixated on enriching themselves.” Stock buybacks among these firms increased in 2025, to $108.6B from $105B in 2024. Between 2019 and 2025, the low-wage 100 firms spent $718B on stock buybacks. Among the 100 low-wage firms, Walmart spent the most on stock buybacks, at $8.1bn, equivalent to a $3,851 bonus to each of the company’s 2.1 million workers. Walmart’s CEO, Doug McMillan, who stepped down in January 2026, received $29.2M in compensation in 2025, 958 times more than the median worker pay at Walmart of $30,520. The report cites several policy solutions to excessive executive pay at corporations, including a tax hike on corporations that pay CEOs more than 50 times what they pay their median employees, an increase on stock buyback taxes and leveraging government contracts and subsidies to bar contractors from engaging in stock buybacks. Walmart did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
The traditional Mercator map, designed by Flemish cartographer Gerardus Mercator, has been the default since the 16th century. That map is to now make way for the Equal Earth projection, which geographers say portrays landmasses more accurately. Under the old map, Africa and Greenland appear similarly sized, though Africa is actually about 14 times larger. The resolution doesn’t outlaw Mercator or mandate a replacement—it just encourages the switch, and yet, the U.S. couldn’t abide it. Togo’s Foreign Minister, Robert Dussey, who led the effort on behalf of the African contingent, framed the change as a matter of perception rather than politics, telling delegates before the vote that maps shape education and collective understanding of the world. According to CBS News, Africa No Filter, which led campaigns to adopt the new map, made its reasoning clear: “We want to see accurate maps in schools, textbooks, newsrooms, businesses and on the digital platforms billions of people use every day.” The UN’s own reporting described the campaign as part of a broader argument tying the Mercator projection’s distortions to a “symbolic minimization” of Africa, with the resolution characterizing the correction as an act of “cognitive justice and memorial reparation.” And that, apparently, is exactly what the U.S. objected to. The American representative, Yaryna Ferencevych, the deputy U.S. representative to the U.N. Economic and Social Council, argued the resolution went beyond fixing map proportions, calling it part of a “radical ideological project” and criticizing its references to reparations (prolly the real objection) and “cognitive justice” as undermining the UN’s credibility. Meanwhile, France — the country whose former colonies still make up much of Africa— announced that it is abandoning Mercator entirely. By the way, Fance and the US would be a bit smaller in the new Equal Earth map, according to UN News. And for those questioning why a spate of Eastern European countries abstained, the Kyiv Post reportsthat Ukraine, while sympathetic to the broader goal of accuracy, warned that adopting Equal Earth without safeguards could create ambiguity over Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory depicted on some versions of the map. For instance, one version depicted temporarily occupied Crimea as separate from the rest of the country. So to recap: the United States is apparently the only country in the world which wants to continue to lie about the size of an entire continent, because it goes back to the 16th century, but its president wants to change “Lake Ontario” to “Lake America” and the “Gulf of Mexio” to the “Gulf of America” when they were also named in the 16th Century. Make it make sense.
Amazon
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Now Open The photo contest is open to state residents and visitors alike, but qualifying photos must have been taken in Alabama in the past two years. Any amateur photographer not employed by ADCNR is encouraged to enter.
The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is currently accepting entries for the 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest. The deadline to enter is October 30, 2026.
tunities that make Alabama the perfect destination for outdoor photography. We are honored to highlight their work and look forward to seeing the incredible photos entered in the 2027 contest.”
“Each year, nearly two thousand images are entered in the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest by some of the best amateur photographers in our state and from across the country,” said Chris Blankenship, ADCNR Commissioner. “Their photos showcase the abundant wildlife, public lands and outdoor recreation oppor-
The 2027 photo contest will focus on traditional photography techniques and the use of handheld cameras. No cellphone, smartphone, game camera, or drone photography will be chosen as winning photos for nine of the 10 categories. Smartphone and tablet photos will be accepted in the Young Photographers category.
A total of 10 photos per person may be entered in the following categories. You may enter all 10 in one category or among several categories. First, second, third and one honorable mention will be awarded in each category. 2027 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Categories - Alabama State Parks - Birds - Bugs and Butterflies - Cold-blooded Critters - Nature-Based Recreation - Scenic - Shoots and Roots - Sweet Home Alabama - Wildlife - Young Photographers (ages 17 and under) The winning images will be featured online and in a traveling exhibit at various
venues across the state during 2027. The 2026 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Exhibit is currently on display at the Oak Mountain State Park Interpretive Center in Pelham until September 16. Additionally, the Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest Retrospective is currently on display at the Georgine Clarke Alabama Artists Gallery in downtown Montgomery until September 25. The show is free to attend and features winning images from the 2021-2025 contests. To view the complete exhibit schedule, visit www.outdooralabama.com/photoexhibit. For complete 2027 category descriptions, contest rules and sponsors, visit www.outdooralabama.com /photocontest. ADCNR promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama’s natural resources through four divisions: Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. Learn more at www.outdooralabama.com
Shelton State Community College to host free A.I. Course for community Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Shelton State Community College will host A.I. Made Simple, a free community training session designed to help participants better understand artificial intelligence (A.I.) and learn practical ways to use A.I. in everyday life and work. The event will be held on Monday, September 28 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the Martin Campus in room 2825. A.I. Made Simple will
feature a 90-minute guided, hands-on learning session that introduces participants to artificial intelligence in an engaging and accessible format. The session is ideal for beginners who are curious about A.I., while also providing useful information and practical applications for individuals who already use AI tools. The training is geared toward job seekers, parents, local business owners, and
other community members interested in learning how to use AI as a practical tool in their personal and professional lives. The event is part of the Alabama Community College System’s AI Community Caravan, a statewide initiative designed to increase A.I. literacy by providing free, community-based A.I. training through Alabama’s community colleges. The initiative emphasizes
demonstrations, participant activities, questions, and discussion to make AI education approachable for learners at varying levels of experience. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit A.I. Made Simple Registration. For more information about other upcoming events at Shelton State, visit sheltonstate.edu.
The Business of Educating Black Parents Lil’ Johnny was acting up last night. I told him I’m going to tell Mama Bolanle and he straightened right up,” she recalled parents telling her when she was a teacher at the Frederick Douglass Institute. Ambonisye didn’t take it as a compliment. “It’s backward,” she said. “I’m supposed to tell that child if you don’t straighten up, I’m going to tell your mom or your dad.” The experience helped shape an idea Ambonisye would eventually turn into U&I-RISE, an education business offering parenting programs, books and training for schools and educators, with a particular focus on Black families. Nearly three decades after she began developing her approach, Ambonisye has taken the business from parent workshops to public school contracts and educator training. Now she’s working to expand its reach online. Ambonisye didn’t come to her theories by chance. After traveling extensively with her military mom, Ambonisye, then Kelly Andrea Moore, left Germany with her mother and settled in St. Louis in 1979. She was in eighth grade with ambitions of becoming a teacher. That dream was dashed at Clinton Elementary, now closed, and Roosevelt High School, where she said disrespectful and unruly classmates led her to believe she’d “wind up behind bars” if she taught in city public schools as an adult. After a stint at Florissant Valley Community College, Ambonisye became pregnant with her first child, Folami, and vowed her child would never attend a public school. She was later introduced to the Frederick Douglass Institute, a tuition-based independent school centered on African-centered education. “I got immersed in ‘Black stuff,’” she said with a laugh. Ambonisye enrolled Folami there while taking an evening course for parents on African-centered education. She said the school’s founders were so impressed with her homeschooled daughter that they asked Ambonisye to bring what she had done with Folami into the classroom. She became a full-time teacher certified through the Council of Independent Black Institutions. As the years passed, experiences like the “Mama Bolanle” comments led her to conclude that “as parents, we had given away our power.” “We were undermining our power without even realizing it,” she said. Ambonisye came to believe parents needed to “teach their children to obey them,” helping children develop the self-discipline needed to pay attention, cooperate, and do well in school. “At home it’s called ‘obedience,’ everywhere else it’s called ‘following instructions.’” In 2007, she turned those ideas into her first educational program and parenting guide, “Tapping Our Parental
Power (TOPP) In A Nutshell.” Rather than focusing primarily on children’s misbehavior, TOPP asks parents to examine their own actions. In a testimonial posted on U&I-RISE’s website, Brandi J., the mother of a teenage son, said TOPP taught her “patience” and how to deal with her son’s emotions while learning to “get myself together first.” “I am and will be a better parent,” she said. In 2011, Ambonisye founded U&I-RISE with the admittedly ambitious purpose of helping solve “Black community and family problems.” Public schools became customers. She marketed parent-engagement workshops first in the Ferguson-Florissant School District and later in St. Louis Public Schools. Securing contracts was one thing. Getting parents to participate was another. Ambonisye said many Black parents reacted to a stigma associated with seeking parenting education. Looking for solutions, she took a job as a family support specialist at Bertha Knox Gilkey Pamoja Preparatory Academy, an African-centered SLPS school. With the superintendent’s approval, the school required parents to participate in her orientation workshop before their children could enroll. Some responded begrudgingly, she said, but attendance improved. The requirement remains in place today. Over the years, U&I-RISE expanded into school-home engagement and educator training. One program is FLARES, a classroom management system that Ambonisye developed with Rashida Chatman, an SLPS curriculum specialist. Chatman said it was designed to help educators create “cohesive, manageable and safe classroom spaces for students who look like us.” DeAndria Wallace, assistant principal at Pamoja, praised Ambonisye and FLARES. “She is very organized and in tune with the needs of the community,” Wallace said. “Her program is easy to follow and implement, and it gets results when done with fidelity.” The marketplace has changed considerably since Ambonisye started. Parents can now find parenting courses, videos, social media groups, and other resources online, including programs specifically for Black families. That leaves Ambonisye working to carve out an online niche for U&I-RISE’s African-centered, Black parent-focused material. She continues using feedback from parent groups and workshop participants to hone and promote her courses, books and workshops. The delivery methods may have changed, but the mission she set for U&I-RISE remains the same: helping solve “Black community and family problems.” Based on reporting by St. Louis American.
visit us online at greenecodemocrat.com
The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Page 7
Marc H. Morial We should also have serious conversations about the role of technology in children's lives. Restricting unnecessary screen exposure, particularly in the early grades, should be part of a broader effort to rebuild reading habits and attention spans that support learning. More concerning than the decline in reading scores is the absence of a clear, large-scale strategy to address the growing crisis. Every year that a struggling reader falls further behind increases the likelihood that they will face lifelong educational and economic disadvantages. The recent reading results from New York City are a warning. The national NAEP results are an even louder one. Together, they tell us that incremental change is not enough. We know more about how children learn to read than ever before. We know that literacy is the gateway to opportunity. What remains to be seen is whether we have the collective will to act with the urgency this moment demands. Our children cannot afford for us to wait.
Dancy earns CDL
Page 8, The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Area Agency on Aging
Mrs. Carolyn Young with her bouquet At Greene County Nursing Home, Poague and her colleagues trained nurses in effective and compassionate communication with dementia patients and caregivers. Nurses earned professional development hours for their participation. Poague explained that dementia is a disease within the Alzheimer’s umbrella, and those diagnosed face the harsh reality of their
brains deteriorating. Those affected can lose all five senses and become nonverbal. The disease may progress gradually or suddenly worsen overnight. “We're going to have to enter their world,” she said, emphasizing that caregivers must adapt to patients. It’s vital for caregivers to set patients up for success by planning extra time, educating families, and organizing
and monitoring medications. Approaching patients from the front, speaking clearly, and patiently waiting for responses with a smile can significantly improve care. Patients with dementia might also have other conditions that make daily tasks, like buttoning clothes or tying laces, even harder. To help nurses understand their patients’ perspectives, Poague had nurses wear gloves with cotton balls to simulate neuropathy, and sunglasses with stickers to mimic ocular degenerative I conditions, as peripheral vision often diminishes first. At the end of the activity, she asked nurses how they felt, noting that no one received assistance or extra time to finish tasks. Many expressed frustration and feelings of abandonment. The session ended by providing nurses with a framework for recognizing individuals with dementia in emergencies and a care pathway for caregivers. The REACT framework stands for Recognize, Engage, Assess, Connect, and Transfer. An important message was that caregivers must also care for themselves. After the nurse training, the Area Agency on Aging visited the Eutaw Senior Activity Center for a memory cafe session with information, snacks, and bouquet arranging. Repre-
sentatives explained that flower arranging stimulates the five senses and can evoke memories linked to colors and scents. Poague educated attendees on practices that may reduce the risk of dementia. She encouraged seniors to change their routines slightly, such as switching hands when brushing teeth or hair. She also shared nutrition information about the Brain Diet, also known as the Mediterranean diet. Seniors received handouts before creating their own bouquets to take home.
Congratulations to Destiny LaShay Dancy who completed a course at Shelton State Community College with the Workforce Development Women's Foundation of Alabama Fall 2026 CDL graduFor more information on ates. the Area Agency on Aging of West Alabama, contact Dancy’s completed Alabama Career Es(800) AGE-LINE or (205) sentials and also successfully passed the 333-2990. Their address is 4200 HWY 60 N, North- WorkKeys assessments, resiliency curport, AL 35473. Visit riculum, Skills for Success courses, and www.westalabamaaging.or a customer service credential, Mastering g for upcoming events in the Customer Experience. your area.
Culverhouse School of Accountancy
Broad Horizons Travels LLC become Adopt-A-School partners
Lift Free Computer & Phone Tutoring Friday 9:30- 10:45 a.m. Eutaw Housing Authority 9/18, 9/25,10/2,10/9,& 10/16/26 You will be tutored Congrats to Broad Horizons Travels, LLC and Robert Brown Middle School on their new AAS partnership! The partnership individually by a will provide student incentives, teacher recognition, and guest speakers for the school's Careers on Wheels program. UA Student. Come Uncle Willie’s BBQ sponsors by for questions Greene County Career Center that need to be Congrats to Uncle Willie’s BBQ Sauce and Greene answered, County Career Center! Uncle Willie's will sponsor fun challenges, the Employee of the Month program, which recognizes and fellowship students pursuing various career pathways. They will To reserve a tutor, also provide monthly teacher recognition incennotify tives and guest speakers for the school's Career Tech Mollie Gaines at Student Organization Leadership Conference. Go 205-372-3926 Tigers!
Rosa S. Davis Avon for the whole family 26305 County Rd 20 Boligee, AL 35443 205-372-3820 home 205-826-8448 cell If no one answers, please leave messages
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The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Page 9
Carolyn’s Tid Bits...by Carolyn Young
Love Love has many powers, it can bring you to your knees, can rip your heart like paper,
then mend it back with ease, can draw out tears of sadess, and also tear of joy, can make us smile at someone whose trying to annoy. Love is all around us, no matter where we turn; love cane be so simple yet hard for us to learn. Love’s a soothing feeling, that help us sleep at night; love makes us grab a
loved one and hug the oh so tight. Love has many powers, I have said above; the most important thing of all, is remember, “God is love.” He that loveth not knoweth no God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8 “Life is a choice between aging and growing. Aging is adding years to life while growing is adding life to years.” Happy
birthday
to
Adaryl Thomas, Brittany Purse, Jennifer Reeves, Kamya Webb, Arthur Sermon, Jayla Colvin, Maya Lipsey, Cheldia Ann Fairly, Joyce Armstrong, Christin David Felder, Khadaija Webb, JD Spencer, RobDrikus Woods, TruLicia Austin, Kayleigh Alexander, Brooklyn Taylor, Kiasia Branch, Boyce Williams,III., Marcus Jackson, Hildegrard Robinson, Corena Scott, Tamara Atkins, Corylann Johnson, Melvin Laennec Hodges, Malik Hunter.
---Legal Notices--
Legal Notices In the Circuit Court of Greene County, Alabama Estate of Bruce L. Johnson, William Harrison and Micharel L.King Plaintiffs, VS Luke Edwards, et al., Defendents, Case No.: 35 CV-2020-000032 Order This matter came before the Court to Plaintiffs’ Motion to Compel Issuance of Writ of Execution,. After due consideration of all the related pleadings, it is hereby ORDRED, ADJUDGED , and DECREED that the Plaintiff’s Motion to Compel Issuance of Writ of Execution of GRANTED. The Court finds the CoDefendant, Apostolic Advancement Association , is the owner of the Subject Property, 1085-1087 County Road 208, Eutaw, AL 35462+ 6.4 acres (PARCELL ID: 18010200000050010, 18010200000050000,1802 The 0300000060000) Plaintiffs having properly filed and recorded its Certificate of Judgment against Apostolic Advancement Association, the Subject Property is subject to Writ of Execution filed by the Plaintiffs. The Greene County Sheriff’s Office is hereby compelled to issue the Writ of Execution against the Co- Defendant, on the Subject Property, 10851087 County Road 208, Eutaw, AL 35462+6.4 acres and schedule a Sheriffs; Sale wihtin sixty (60) days of this order. Costs are hereby taxed to the defendants. Done and Odered on the 13th of July 2026. DATE OF SALE: September 11, 2026 TIME OF SALE: 12:00 P.M. PLACE OF SALE: GREENE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, EUTAW, ALABAMA 3tcg 8/26, 9. 2, 9 LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Game Day Athletic Surfaces, Inc., Contractor, has completed the contract for the Re-bid Athletic Improvements to Greene County High School 24-161 for Greene County Board of Education, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials, or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify McKee and Associates, Inc. 631 S Hull St Montgomery, Al 36104. Game Day Athletic Surfaces, Inc., 1509 U.S. 11, Trussville, Al 35173. 3tcg 9/2,7,14 NOTICE OF BID Sealed Bid proposals will be received by Greene County Public Works at the Greene County Engineer’s Office (by mail or hand delivered) until September 15, 2026, 10:00AM at the address indicated
above, at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened and read. {Office Hours: Monday – Friday (7AM -3PM)} To receive a bid packet, please contact our office using the contact information indicated above. Bids must be submitted on proposal forms furnished by GCPW. All bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975 and must show evidence by clearly displaying current license number on the outside of the sealed envelope on which the proposal is delivered. All BIDS must be plainly marked - ATTENTION: ANNUAL BIDS with BID NUMBER and BID NAME on the outside of the envelope. Greene County Public Works reserve the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. For Bid Specifications, please use the contact information above. *This Invitation For Bids Is Condensed for Advertising Purposes. Additional Information/ Requirements for Bidders Can Be Found In The Contract Documents* Greene County Public works is requesting sealed bids for the following: •Treated Bridge Lumber •BBCM Pipe •Polyethylene Pipe •Aggregates •Lightweight Aggregates •Liquid Asphalt •Petroleum Products •Motor-Grader Blades •Hay •Herbicide •Cold Patch Stone and Slag •Hot Asphalt and Plant Mix 2tcg 9/2, 7
bama, to-wit: Lot 3 of Two Rivers Subdivision, a map or plat of which is recorded in Map Book 3, at Page 67 in the Probate Office of Greene County, Alabama, reference to which is hereby made in aid of and as a part of this description. Together with that certain 1988 Brilliant mobile home Model No. 6126 VIN 0836 For informational purposes only, the property address is: 806 Bass Dr, Eutaw, AL 35462. Any property address provided is not part of the legal description of the property sold herein and in the event of any discrepancy, the legal description referenced herein shall control. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “AS-IS, WHERE-IS” BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney
should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney’s fees and other purposes set out in said mortgage. Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc. Paul K. Lavelle, Esq. Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P.C. One Perimeter Park South-Suite 400N Birmingham, Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 45-FC-26-01273 September 9, 2026, September 16, 2026 and September 23, 2026 Legal Notice In the Probate Court of Greene County, Alabama In the Matter of the Estate of Lavonda Kay Clemmons, deceased. Letter Testamentary on the Will thereto of the Deceasesd, Lavonda Kay Clemmons, having been granted to Christina Marie Carter Shelby on the 3rd day of September by the Honorable Rolonda, M. Wedgeworth, Judge of Probate court in and for Greene County , Alabama , notice is hereby given that all persons having claims againts said estate are hereby required to present the same within allow by law or the same will be barred Christian Marie Carter Shelby Personal Reprresenentativ of the Will and Estate of Lavonda Key Clemmons, deceased. Scott Foster P.O. Box 416 Carrollton, AL 35442 3tcg 9/9/16,23
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated October 12, 2022 executed by Autumn Kelley Tidwell and Dustin Lane Tidwell, a married couple, in favor of Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., said Mortgage being recorded October 26, 2022, in Book 0092, Page 913, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County, Alabama. Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance, Inc., under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash at the main entrance to the County Courthouse, Greene County, Alabama on 10/13/2026, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Greene County, Ala-
NOTICE
The Greene County Highway Department is seeking:
HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC •Drivers License Required •Repairs Automotive & Heavy Equipment •Performs Maintenance on Automotive & Heavy Equipment
TEMPORARY WORKERS FOR HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT •Driver License is required •Semi-Skilled Work •Operates Light to Heavy Equipment Apply at Greene County Highway Department 521 Prairie Avenue Eutaw, Alabama 35462 (205) 372-3302 Hours of Operation: 7:00 am-3:00 pm Monday –Friday Timeline to Apply: Ongoing Greene County Highway Department Is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Page 10, The Greene County Democrat, Wednesday, September 9, 2026
JOSHUA J. SWORDS
The Democrat
“Serving West Alabama like no other Community Newspaper”
SUBSCRIPTION Name____________________________________ RATES $25 Greene Address__________________________________ County Residents City________ State______________ Zip________
Attorney at Law Tuscaloosa County Office 600 Lurleen B. Wallace Blvd S. Courthouse Plaza, Suite 120 Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
JSwords@Swordslaw. com Phone: 205-409-0673 Facsimile: 205-409-0672 Tuscaloosa, Al 35401
email_________________________Phone_____________
$30 Alabama Residents
PHONE : 205-372-3373
$35 Out-of-State Residents
Ala-SCAN Central
FAX: 205-372-2243
Mail to: The Greene County Democrat P.O. Box 598 Eutaw, AL 35462
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BOLIGEE ELECTRICAL OVER 16 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
Huge sale on light bulbs! Lights bulbs .50 Appliances: Washers, Dryers, Refrigerators, Stoves..etc
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Store Hours 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL
215 Boligee Street Eutaw, AL 35462 CELL: 205-496-6019 Email : BoligeeElectric@bellsouth.net Reginald Cheatem Proprietor
Greene County Office Oliver Scott House 329 Prairie Ave Eutaw, Al 35462
ACCIDENTS & INJURIES AUTO & TRUCK ACCIDENTS, WRONGFUL DEATH, SLIP & FALL Office-205-933-7533 Cell – 205-901-6129 “I like Big Bucks and I cannot lie” 24 HOUR SERVICE – FREE CONSULTATION OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE FRANK S. BUCK P.C. ATTORNEY 2160 14TH Ave South BIRMINGHAM, AL 35255 NO REPRESENTATION IS MADE THAT THE QUALITY OF THE LEGAL SERVICES TO BE PERFORMED IS GREATER THAN THE QUALITY OF LEGAL SERVICES PERFORMED BY OTHER LAWYERS
EUTAW ACCENT TIRE & Flower Shop 205-372-5444 207 Boligee Street- Eutaw, Al You can always depend on your complete Tires and Floral Services
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Mon, Tues- 7 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday (Closed) Thur. 7 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Fri. 7a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
************ New & Used TiresBatteries, Tire Repairs, Tire Balance /Rotation Daily Floral- Deliver-
Law Office of
Glen McCord, Esq Licensed Engineer Licensed Land Surveyor 311 North Street Livingston, Al 35470
(205) 718-4047 gmccord@glenmccordlaw.com
Disclaimer These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different regardless of what friends, family or other individuals say about what a case is worth. Each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties and the testimony among other factors. Furthermore, No representation that the quality of legal services to be performed are greater than the services performed by other lawyers.