A nation in freefall while the powerful feast: Trump calls affordability a ‘Con Job’
By Stacy M Brown Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent
There are seasons in this country when the struggle of ordinary Americans is not merely a condition but a kind of weather that settles over everything It enters the grocery aisle, the overdue bill, the rent notice, and the long nights spent calculating how to get through the next week The latest numbers show that this season has not passed It has deepened
See ‘Con Job’, p 6
House Republicans leaders ditch vote on ACA funding cuts, all but ensuring healthcare premiums will rise
By Sahil Kapur, Julie Tsirkin and Brennan Leach, HBCU News
U S Capitol
WASHINGTON It s official: House Speaker
Mike Johnson says he won’t call a vote to extend enhanced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, effectively guaranteeing they will expire at the end of this month
That means higher insurance premiums will go into effect for millions of Americans who get coverage through Obamacare next year
The speaker made the announcement Tuesday after a closed-door Republican caucus meeting, saying that leadership failed to reach a deal with centrist members to bring up an ACA amendment on a health care bill set for a vote on Wednesday
See ACA, p 6
Alabama students, professors appeal ruling in lawsuit challenging anti-DEI law
By Chance Phillips, Alabama Political Reporters
University of Alabama campus
On Monday, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union filed an appeal in a lawsuit challenging the anti DEI law SB129 on behalf of college students and instructors at Alabama’s public universities In a press release, ACLU of Alabama Legal Director Alison Mollman called the appeal a “necessary next step to ensuring that the constitutional rights of all professors and students are protected in Alabama
See Anti-DEI, p 6 Sierra Club, HBCUs Outside train next generation of Black Outdoor Leaders
By Shawn White, HBCU News
School Boar d pr esented four finalists for superintendent’s position
At its December 15, 2025 regular meeting, the Greene County Board of Education received four applicant finalists for the position of Superintendent Ms Susan Salter, special consultant with the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB), led the superintendent search for Greene County School System She presented the following finalist detailing their experiences and education:
Greene County
Dr Jessica Constant, currently Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Phenix City Schools; Mr Demond Mullins currently Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs Lowndes County Schools; Ms Taurus Brown Smith currently Education Administrator Alabama Department of Education Office of School Improvement; Dr Timothy Thurman currently Superintendent Lin-
den City Schools
Ms Salter noted that applications were received from 39 candidates with 28 completions Applications were received from Alabama Georgia Mississippi Illinois Arizona and Missouri AASB reviewed all applicants and a committee determined the top candidates AASB vetted all candidates Salter narrated to the board the credentials and work
experiences
The Greene County community along with other friends and supporters, gathered Thursday, December 11, 2025 to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Federation of Greene County Employees Federal Credit Union (FOGCE) In August 1975 FOGCE was chartered by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) as a community based financial institution Subsequently FOGCE became certified in 2021 as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) with over 800 members and assets of $1 8 million NCUA continues as its federal secu-
rity and monitoring agency FOGCE s 50th Celebration, held at the New Generation Church Fellowship Hall featured Mr Cornelius Blanding 11 years as CEO of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives /Land Assistance Fund (FSC/LAF) which was instrumental in organizing FOGCE Federal Credit Union as well as credit unions in Pickens Sumter and Hale Counties In his keynote address, Mr Blanding praised the courage, perseverance and dedication of FOGCE membership We are still here after 50 years because you continued to believe in
community leadership building community worth and you would not give up,” he stated Mr Blanding, as FSC/LAF Assistant Director at the time was also instrumental in securing a $20,000 grant from the Self-Development of People in 2013 for the purchase of FOGCE s current facility, located at 112 Prairie Ave , Eutaw, AL Ms Darlene Robinson FOGCE Board VicePresident and Chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, served as Mistress of Order at the celebration Ms Mary Dunn Credit Committee member gave a warm welcome Mr James
Powell Credit Committee member led the invocation Dr Carol P Zippert, FOGCE Board President and a founder, shared a memorial tribute of the community s efforts that organized, built and secured the credit union for 50 years She noted that FOGCE began to thrive when we realized that our credit union was not a social service organization but we were a community owned and operated financial institution ” See FOGCE 50th p, 10
This fall marked the
and
partnership between
19 college
to become Sierra Club Chapter Outings leaders
See Sierra Club and HBCU, p. 6
Students participate in an outings training led by by Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside in Atlanta in 2025 Photo credit: Gerry James
inaugural
Sierra Club
HBCUs Outside training
students
Cor nelius Blanding, guest speaker at 50th Anniver sar y
Dr Jessia Constant Demond Mullins Taurus Smith Dr Timothy Thurman
Shown L to R: James ‘D’ Powell, Mollie Rowe, Cornelius Blanding, Carol P Zippert, Carrie Fulghum, Mary Dunn, Jacqueline Allen, Rodney Pham and Darlene Robinson.
Shootings, more shootings and more shootings
The shootings kill, maim and diminish spirits
We hear the news and pause to pray For family and friends who mourn
And then there’s another shooting and another People die - the young, the grown, the elder
We hear the news and pause to pray For family and friends who mourn
We smother shootings saying the culprit is deranged
We say guns don’t kill, people kill
We lose our hearing with talk of banning guns
A gun is a limb to the body more valued than life
We say a child conceived must be born
There may be a shooting just waiting for that life
It’s become an inheritance, a right-of-passage
How many shootings one survives, before the last
Can we learn to exalt life as God’s gift
Can we reach for ministry as God’s rule
Hopefully, when we manage a peace inside
We can extend a love outside
Carol Prejean Zippert
Law Enfor cement makes thr ee ar r ests, r epor ts
multiple incidents
Superintendent Finalists
Dr Jessica Constant’s experiences include Coordinator of Student Services Tuscaloosa City Schools; Experiences in Hale County SchoolsPrincipal Greensboro High School; Principal Akron Community School; Assistant Principal, Greensboro Middle School; Teacher Greensboro East Elementary Education - Doctorate in Education Management; Education Specialist; Master ’s Education Administration and Supervision; Master s Education Leadership; Bachelor ’s Elementary Education
Mr Demond Mullins experiences include Director of Curriculum and Federal Programs Lowndes
The Greene County Board Of Education will meet in a RECONVENED MEETING on Thursday, December 18, 2025 @ 10:00 a.m. in the Central Office Auditorium
County Schools; Principal Johnson Elementary, Jeff Davis High School Montgomery County Schools; Principal Hazelwood Elementary, Lawrence County Schools; Assistant Principal Bob Jones High School, Madison City Schools; Assistant Principal, Forest Avenue Magnet Elementary Montgomery County Schools; Teacher Seth Johnson Elementary, Montgomery County Schools; Teacher, Westwood Elementary Tuscaloosa County schools Education - Education Specialist Master ’s Education Leadership; Bachelor s Elementary Education; currently Ph D candidate
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 Carol’s
On December 19 2025 the Greene County Sheriff Department arrested Tiffany Mullen, 46, of Forkland, AL, for two counts of failure to appear negotiating worthless instruments and four counts of negotiating worthless instruments She was released on a bond of $500 each for negotiating worthless instruments and fines in the amount of $1,200 for failure to appear negotiating worthless Instruments
The Greene County Sheriff Department reported the following incidents
12/2 - Diana Bullock reported cruelty to animals
12/3 - James Garner reported robbery 2nd degree
12/10 - Li’Daisy Thomas reported harassment and theft of property 2nd degree
12/11 - Roneisha Newton reported harassment
12/5 - Roy Jines reported criminal trespass 3rd degree
On December 8 2025 the Eutaw Police Department arrested Roderick Washington, of Boligee, for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest
The Eutaw Police Department reported the following incidents
12/1 - Janesha Marshall reported domestic violence and criminal mischief
12/2 - Scott Hardy reported theft of property 3rd
Ms Taurus Brown Smith’s experiences include Principal Payne Elementary Selma City Schools; Teacher, Selma City Schools EducationNational Board Certification Early Childhood Generalist; Master s Elementary Education; Master ’s Education Administration; Bachelor ’s Elementary Education Dr Timothy Thurman s experiences include Assistant Superintendent Linden City Schools; Principal Linden High School; Teacher and Coach Perry County Schools; Director Perry County Alternative School Education: Doctorate Educational Leadership; Master ’s Education Administration; Bachelor ’s Elementary Education
degree
12/6 - Adia Jones reported harassment
12/7 - Shirley White (manager of Dollar General) reported shoplifting
12/8 - Priscilla Cotton reported theft of property 2nd degree
12/8 - Roderick Williams (CEO of Greene County Health Systems) reported identity theft 1st degree
12/8 - Clifton Epps reported harassment
12/10 - Charlotte Burwell reported an incident
12/10 - David Carden reported burglary 3rd degree
12/11 - Shannon Smith reported an incident
( Superintendent Interviews)
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Don’t
Poetry
GCHS holds induction cer emonies, celebr
achievements
Written by: Tameka King, Tuskegee Extension Agent
The spirit of the holidays was in full bloom on November 20 at the Area Agency on Aging Center in Eutaw as local seniors gathered for Thanks and Laughs with the Seniors a festive and creative celebration of the season Participants enjoyed a hands-on holiday wreath-
making experience led by local florist Mrs Patrice Rice who guided the seniors step-by-step in creating a beautiful basic wreath Laughter, conversation, and holiday cheer filled the room as seniors personalized their wreaths and shared in the joy of the moment The event was hosted by the Tuskegee Extension Program, with Tameka King, Family and Con-
sumer Sciences (FCS) Agent and Shenell Edwards 4-H/Youth Agent who worked together to bring meaningful and engaging activities to the community’s senior residents The wreath-making event not only encouraged creativity but also provided an opportunity for social connection gratitude and seasonal celebration making it a memorable day for everyone involved
the Athletic Department, Track & Field, and Flag Football Thank you, Alabama Power we truly appreciate your support
The GCHS Induction Ceremony took place on December 2, 2025, celebrating the achievements of over 50 scholars! These outstanding students were inducted into prestigious organizations, including Mu Alpha Theta National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, National Beta Club, Science National Honor Society, and National English Honor Society Congratulations to all our new members we are so proud of you! We were also honored to rename our National Technical Honor Society chapter in memory of Mrs Angela B White, whose dedication and passion were instrumental in establishing NTHS at Greene County High School
bers joined us for a beautiful inauguration ceremony as we celebrated her lasting impact on our students and programs Ms White’s legacy of excellence service and love for Career Tech will continue to guide and inspire us for years to come
Fax: 205-372-2243
T he lucr ative business of cr owdfunding r acism is fueled by the Tr ump's Administr ation's campaign of hatr ed a gainst mar ginalized communities
By Marc Morial, Presi-
dent and CEO, National Urban League
( Tr i c e E d n e y Wi re c o m )
- When Mr Trump maligns me, it increases the number of death threats that my family staff members and I receive As a member of Congress I am privileged to have access to security when these threats arise What keeps me up at night is that people who share the identities I hold Black Somali hijabi immigrant will suffer the consequences of his words which so often go unchecked by members of the Republican Party and other elected officials All Americans have a duty to call out this hateful rhetoric when we hear it –Rep Ilhan Omar
When President Trump called African and Caribbean nations
“sh*thole countries,” during a closed-door meeting in 2019, lawmakers across the political spectrum scrambled to condemn his remarks Trump was at least ashamed enough to deny that he said it
He’s not ashamed anymore He proudly admits making the statement, and openly called Somali immigrants, including Omar garbage This time outrage among his Congressional allies was nowhere to be seen And Omar ’s concern that people who share her identities – Black, Somali, hijabi, immigrant – would suffer the consequences of Trump s words has been devastatingly accurate His words are echoed in the comments of a crowdfunding page of self-pro-
‘Bor n in a Manger’: America’s seasonal r eminder of a housing crisis we r efuse to fix
By Julianne Malveaux
(TriceEdneyWire com) -
Every December, we celebrate the story of a child born in a manger We adorn nativity scenes with soft light and warm sentiment, but we rarely linger on the truth of the story: Jesus was born housing insecure
There was no room at the inn His family was displaced, turned away, and forced to improvise shelter in the most vulnerable of circumstances
Two thousand years later, the story resonates more than we admit
Millions of Americans are, in their own way, born in a manger every year living housing–challenged lives shaped by scarcity instability and impossible choices Some are unhoused, like Mary and Joseph on that fateful night Others are paying rents that consume half their earnings Still others far too many, especially Black homeowners stand at the brink of foreclosure, victims of a system that rewards wealth and punishes vulnerability
claimed “racist” Crystal Wilsey, whose videotaped tirade against a Somali immigrant couple at a Minnesota Cinnabon shop has earned her more than $150 000 to date
Unlike Trump most of the commenters are not proud enough to share their real names “Islam is a disease,” wrote “mcreynoldsatwar, who took the opportunity to throw in a transphobic comment as well Ethnic Europeans need to band together ” wrote “Anonymous Giver ” And “Trevor” very accurately observed, “No one cares about being called racist anymore ” The largesse shown to Wilsey is hardly an isolated incident – and not the most lucrative one The crowdfunding campaign for Shiloh Hendrix caught on video at a playground using racial slurs against an 8-year-old boy and the man who recorded her, has raised more than $800,000 Comments on Hendrix page were so virulent that site administrators at one point disabled the commenting feature prompting donors to express their hatred through aliases like “Nate Higgers” (130 times), white lives matter (24), and TND [Total N***er Death] (19) Organizations and individuals supporting white supremacy anti-LGBTQ+ and QAnon conspiracies raised more than $6 million on crowdfunding sites between 2016 and 2022, according to a report from the Anti-Defamation League s Center on Extremism
These campaigns are fueled by the Trump administration’s campaign of hate against marginalized communities, which is so all-consuming, it extends even to the choice of typeface used on government websites Secretary of State Marco Rubio this week reversed a Biden-era change that made department communications more accessible for people with disabilities, like dyslexia, ADHD, and low vision
See Marc Morial, p 5
ter for its families has lost its moral compass
Today more than 21 million renter households in the United States are costburdened spending over 30 percent of their income on rent Nearly half of them are severely burdened, paying 50 percent or more Imagine giving half your paycheck to your landlord and then trying to cover food, medications, childcare, utilities, transportation and debt That is not a sustainable life it is a slow, grinding emergency
And homeowners are not immune The U S is short an estimated 2 to 5 million housing units, a deficit that drives competition, inflates home prices and locks out potential buyers When supply is this tight, the people closest to the edge fall first
The racial impact is unmistakable Black homeownership sits around 44 percent, virtually unchanged since 1960 when housing discrimination was legal White homeownership stands above 74 percent A 30-point gap that has survived civil rights legislation economic booms, recessions, and rising national wealth
You cannot call that a coincidence It is the legacy of policy federal, state, and local that allowed one group to accumulate wealth through housing while systematically excluding another
We uplift the manger scene as a symbol of humility and hope But it is also a warning: a society that cannot guarantee shel-
And for Black families who have managed to secure a foothold in homeownership, that foothold remains fragile Seniors
lose homes over rising taxes and insurance costs
Reverse mortgage foreclosures hit Black neighborhoods at six times the rate of white ones Investor groups circle aging homeowners, making quick-cash offers for properties that will soon be flipped into half–million dollar condos
A home that took one family a lifetime to build equity in can disappear in a single generation
This is not just a housing problem it is a wealth extraction problem
For Black seniors, home equity represents up to 75 percent of total wealth
When that home is lost to foreclosure, tax sale, or forced sale the wealth that should have transferred to children and grandchildren evaporates
The racial wealth gap widens And without intervention it will keep widening
Housing is not just about shelter It is about safety, stability dignity and legacy It is the ability to put down roots without fearing that rising rents or rising taxes will rip them out It is the difference between a child entering school from a place of security or a place of chronic instability It is the difference between a senior aging in comfort or slipping into homelessness after a medical setback or a property-tax spike
We cannot celebrate the season while ignoring the message embedded in the manger Housing insecurity is not a moral failure of individuals it is a policy failure of government and
society If we want a different future one worthy of the season s message we must build it
That means:
• Protecting seniors from losing their homes to tax foreclosure or reversemortgage traps
• Providing meaningful down-payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers
Regulating investor purchasing that destabilizes communities
• Reforming appraisal bias and discriminatory lending
• Investing in the affordable housing we have underbuilt for decades
None of these solutions are impossible They are choices And we must choose differently
The nativity story reminds us that even sacred lives can start under precarious roofs It is a seasonal call not just to charity, but to justice If we are serious about honoring its message we must confront a national housing crisis that leaves millions insecure and strips a disproportionate number of Black families of the very wealth they fought so hard to build Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room at the inn In 2025, there is no excuse for millions of Americans especially Black Americans to face the same fate
Dr Julianne Malveaux is a DC based economist and author www juliannemalveaux com
Sur prised by the headlines a bout W hite men and colle ge? Time for a r eality check
By Ben Jealous
TriceEdneyWire com) -
The headlines this month about white men college admissions, and the fallout from ending affirmative action startled a lot of people Stories of declining enrollment and shrinking opportunity for young white men were treated as if they had materialized out of nowhere
Many found it surprising I didn’t It reminded me of a conversation I had a little over a decade ago on a Delta Airlines flight from Atlanta to Memphis one of those brief moments in transit that stays with you because it tells the truth long before the data catches up A white man in a bright red shirt with a Confederate flag over his heart sat down next to me He stuck out his hand and said “Hi
I’m Bill ” As he introduced himself, I looked more closely at his shirt and realized that under the flag it said “Ole Miss Football ” It was a booster shirt We chatted He asked what I did I told him I led the NAACP He blinked then leaned in with a sincerity I recognized Ben, he asked, what s the purpose of affirmative action?”
I told him the truth: its purpose is to help dismantle nepotism as the operating system of this country
He slapped his knee
Sign me up for that But tell me this what good
does that do for the boys in my family?”
Then he told me what he meant The men in his family had been, as he put it, “in and out of prison since we came here on the wrong side of the Georgia penal colony He was the lone exception a gifted high school football player who earned a scholarship to Ole Miss A coach introduced him to business leaders in Memphis That was his way out The booster shirt wasn’t a provocation It was a keepsake from the only open door his family ever had
Bill’s story is not the one America tells about white men But it is the story millions are living And it mirrors something larger happening across this country
For years now, researchers have documented serious headwinds facing working-class American men: wages that stagnate or fall, especially for men without college degrees; fewer men in college even as women s enrollment rises; more men detached from the labor force; rising suicide and overdose deaths in many hard-hit communities; and marriage becoming less common and less stable for men with the weakest economic prospects
White working-class men feel this acutely But they are not alone
White men may have made the headlines but similar trends are affecting Black, Latino, Native, and Asian men especially those from poor and working-class backgrounds In today s economy, class and education now do as much work as race in deciding whether a man will be seen as marriageable, employable, and likely to climb beyond the station of his birth
So if you re wondering why a Black civil rights
leader cares about the struggles of white men, the answer is simple: In a democracy you cannot fix poverty for anyone unless you fix it for everyone Every major leap forward in opportunity in this country has depended on multiracial coalitions Progress comes when we face the full truth not when we ignore parts of it
Which brings us to the conversation we are actually having Or rather not having It s time to readjust our thinking about white men, college admissions, and DEI The left and the right have both turned this into a culture war when what we really need is a reality check
On the right the headlines became a grievance weapon proof, some claim, that diversity efforts were out to “replace” white men On the left the reaction was defensive, as if acknowledging hardship among white families would somehow undermine the fight for racial justice
Neither response had much to do with the truth
And if we’re wondering why we can t seem to have a real conversation about opportunity, we should start where political scientist Martin Gilens warned us decades ago By portraying poverty disproportionately with Black faces, American media helped make the white poor and much of the working class invisible That distortion robbed us of the ability to see the full picture of suffering and the full map of shared struggle
When entire communities are invisible their pain doesn t get counted Their boys don t get counted Their decline doesn’t make the front page until it shows up as a political shock That invisibility hurts
everyone It hurts white families like Bill’s It hurts Black and brown families navigating the same broken ladders It hurts the communities trying to build stable futures for their children Before we talk solutions, we need full visibility a willingness to see all who are struggling not just the ones who fit our old narratives
And yes, part of that conversation may involve something like affirmative action for working-class families including white men Not the caricatured version people argue about on cable news, but the real kind colleges have long used: giving a boost to students from low-income families high-poverty neighborhoods, under-resourced schools, and overlooked rural counties from Appalachia to the Mississippi Delta to remote parts of Alaska Race-based affirmative action sat alongside these class- and placebased efforts; it never replaced them And even after the Supreme Court’s decision colleges can still use class-based affirmative action because it recognizes a basic truth: A child’s chances in life are shaped powerfully by zip code, wealth, and opportunity
The headlines surprised many because they showed only one part of the story It s time we tell the whole one Only then can we rebuild opportunity for Bill for the boys in his family, and for every family fighting for a fair shot
Ben Jealous is the executive director of the Sierra Club, a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, and former national president and CEO of the NAACP
Tr ump’s Far mer Bailout
Eutaw Primar y scholar s for the Month of November
Congratulations to the November Scholars of the Month! Scholars displayed the following character education traits: Honesty, Generosity, Loyalty, and Patience
Gr eene County Education Retir ees celebr ate Christmas festivies
Submitted
by
Serve Snoddy Strode
The Greene County Education Retirees celebrated Christmas festivities on December 10 2025 with greetings, Christmas Carols, poems, and readings to the residents at the Greene County Nursing Home and a visitation to the DHR to present can goods
The culmination of the Christmas celebration was a Gala at Boligee Town Community Complex ( old
Mar c Morial
In the Trump era any policy or program intended to level the playing field or widen the doors of opportunity must be eradicated Financial reward for terrorizing and persecuting marginalized communities isn’t an unfortunate sideeffect of the administration s rhetoric and policies; it is their primary goal They are fortifications to the gate protecting privilege
Parmount High School) in Boligee Alabama The festivity was an enjoyable one with door prizes, gift exchanges, readings, songs, and fun games The Superintendent of Greene County Schools, Mr Daryl Aikerson, extended greetings Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal The celebration adjourned with singing, GO TELL IT ON THE MOUNTAIN"
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY YEAR
Ultimately a crusade against immigration diversity, equity, and inclusion is a road to disaster No institution has ever grown stronger or more effective by limiting its own access to talent, passion, and ingenuity It is imperative that the Trump administration’s enablers in Congress find the courage to exercise their constitutional duty of oversight before it’s too late
--Obituar y--
Kay Clemmons, age 70 of Aliceville AL died December 11 2025 at DCH Regional Medical Center Memorial services were 6:00 pm Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Skelton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev Derrick Bright officiating and Skelton Funeral Home of Reform directing Visitation followed the service at the funeral home
She was preceded in death by her grandparents Mr and Mrs Andrew Lee Clemmons and Mr and Mrs Frank Bresnahan; her parents, Boyd and Mary Clemmons; two nephews one niece and a host of aunts and uncles
Survivors include her life partner of 35 years Chris C Carter; daughter, Christina Shelby (Gabe); son, Chad Carter; grandchildren, Lucas Shelby, Tate Shelby, Mason Carter, Caroline Carter, Grace Carter; sister, Elsie Nell Clemmons; brother Freddie Ray Clemmons (Jeannie Noland); uncle Ed Bresnahan; niece Kendra Bell (Jim); great niece, Olivia Bell; great nephew, James Bell and a host of cousins
Today we gather to honor and celebrate the life of Kay Clemmons a partner mother sister friend and a woman whose hard work and love touched everyone around her Kay was someone who found joy in the simple, beautiful things She loved being outside, whether tending to her garden or riding her tractor across the land she cared for so deeply Nature was her sanctuary and in it she found peace, strength, and purpose She was also a proud supporter of her family, especially when it came to watching Lucas play baseball Sitting in the stands, cheering him on she showed the same dedication and encouragement that defined her life Those moments of joy watching her loved ones grow and thrive were among her greatest treasures
Kay’s work ethic was unmatched She dedicated more than 30 years to Hunt Oil Refinery where she built not only a career but also lasting relationships Her colleagues knew her as someone dependable, resilient, and committed a true example of perseverance and loyalty But beyond her accomplishments Kay will be remembered for her heart She was a partner who gave love freely a mother who nurtured with patience and strength, a sister who stood by her family, and a friend who could always be counted on Her legacy is not only in the work she did or the gardens she grew but in the lives she touched Kay showed us the value of hard work the beauty of nature and the importance of family
As we say goodbye, let us carry forward her spirit by working hard loving deeply and finding joy in the everyday moments Though Kay is no longer with us her memory will continue to guide and inspire us
Senate Sketches #2008.....by Hank Sander s I Just Don’t Understand!
I just don’t understand! I try to understand I really try to understand But there are some things I just don t understand I just don t understand!
As Christmas draws near I am deeply pained I see so many things in this country that do not align with what I envision for this country There are always challenges but they are becoming greater and more prevalent I just don t understand!
Maybe I should share a little more of my background, so you will see where I am coming from I grew up in Blackshear, down in Baldwin County, Alabama Our little Church, New Salem Baptist Church was in Tensaw Alabama We used to walk the 10 miles five miles to and five miles back for Sunday services I felt so deeply that I secretly cried when the old folks sang certain songs My Spirit was touched I just don t understand!
In Selma I taught Sunday School for many years I also hosted the Sunday School Lesson on the Radio for 25 years and subsequently have hosted it on Facebook Live as well I have read the entire Bible twice, although I later realized that reading it was not understanding it I value the Bible I just don’t understand!
According to the New Testament of the Bible, Mary and Joseph were really poor They walked nearly 90 miles to Bethlehem Mary was nine months pregnant Their journey was mostly up a low mountain Then they were discriminated against Luke 2:7 says, “There was no room in the inn for them It does not say, There was no room in the inn It speaks specifically to Them I remember when there was no room in the inn for “Them” and I was part of the “Them ” There was no room in the inn in spite of the fact Mary was so obviously pregnant with her time of delivery coming any day, maybe any hour I just don’t understand!
Jesus was born in a stable and wrapped in strips of cloth and placed in a manger a manger is a feed trough in a stable used to feed animals I don t know if they had clothing for newborn babies 2100 years ago I suspect there were baby clothes only for the well to do I suspect that there was a room in the inn only for certain persons I just don t understand!
Angels notified Shepherds, the lowest rung of humanity in the society of the birth of Jesus Then King Herod tried to kill baby Jesus When he did not succeed, he issued an order for all male children two years and younger to be killed to make certain that he killed Jesus Then Jesus was taken by Mary and Joseph to Egypt to escape from the murderous violence of the King Joseph, Mary and Jesus became poor immigrants in Egypt (Matthew 2:13) I just don t understand!
Mary and Joseph had to stay away not just their
home but also from their country They stayed in Egypt, a foreign country, until Herod the King died They returned to their country only when the threat of imminent death for their baby boy Jesus was no longer imminent I just don’t understand!
According to the Bible, Jesus was not just born poor He never owned a home He never owned much of anything In fact he said “I have no place to lay my head ” It sounds like he was homeless I just don’t understand! Jesus had a broad concept of the term “neighbor In the story of the Samarian (often referred to as the Good Samaritan as if most Samaritans were bad and he was the exception) the neighbor was not a person who lived nearby or a fellow member of his community or a religious official The neighbor was anyone The only one willing to help the Hebrew man was a person of another group considered outcasts I just don’t understand!
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus shares the following parable: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in; I needed clothes and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me; I was in prison and you came to visit me Then the righteous will answer Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink?” Jesus’ reply was “Truly I tell you whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me ” I just don t understand!
I don t understand because I see our country cutting off food (food stamps/SNAP) for the least of these I don’t understand because I see our country using masked law enforcement officers to round up people in the streets based on how they look (They call them illegal aliens ) I don t understand because I see our country cutting care for the sick and for those who may become sick I don’t understand because I see our country putting tens of thousands in prisons to be shipped off like cattle I don t understand because I see our country making water to drink and air to breathe less safe I don’t understand because so many of us Christians support these terrible policies I just don t understand!
I don t understand because I would think that everyone who claims Christianity would want to be in the number who feeds Jesus when He is hungry gives Jesus drink when He is thirsty, takes in Jesus the stranger, who helps clothe the naked Jesus, who cares for Jesus when He is sick, who visits Jesus when He is in prison I just don’t understand because the Bible says that Jesus is embodied in the least of these I just don’t understand! I don’t understand because Matthew 25:41-46 continues the parable: For I was hungry and you gave
me nothing to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink; I was a stranger and you did not invite me in; I needed clothes and you did not clothe me; I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me ” They will also answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison and did not stop to help you? And Jesus replied “Truly I tell you; whatever you did not do for one of the least of these you did not do for me ” I just don’t understand!
I don’t understand how Jesus command that we love our neighbors is so often used as a justification to condemn them I don't understand how the story of "no room at the inn" can be revered by the same people who would themselves turn away a stranger in need I just don t understand!
Can you please help me to understand the actions of we Christians?
Now on to the Daily Diary
SATURDAY, December 6, 2025 – handled many matters, participated in a Zoom call and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Faya Rose Toure of the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Alabama New South Leaders Sylvia Fits, Everette Wess, and Dr Carol P Zippert; Ainka Sanders Jackson of the Selma Center for Non-Violence and the Bridge Crossing Jubilee; Amadi Sanders of Washington, D C ; Law Professor Kindaka Sanders; and Shante Jones of Houston, Texas
SUNDAY – I hosted the Sunday School Lesson with Dr Margaret Hardy on Facebook Live and Z105 3 FM Radio Station, handled various matters, attended the Selma Christmas Parade to see the Boots on the Bridge Float and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following: Sharon Wheeler of Montgomery; Askhari Little of Washington, D C ; Former Alabama State Senator Malika Sanders Fortier; and Marion Mayor Dexter Hinton
MONDAY – I handled many matters checked on fellow struggler John Zippert who was having an operation, and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Josephine Curtis, Marilyn Cosby and Karen Jackson of Selma; Media Personality Sabrina Marie; Shelley Fearson of Alabama New South Coalition; Ashleigh Meyer Durham of Bessemer; and Lowndes County School Superintendent Samita Jeter
TUESDAY – I handled many matters participated in the SOS Conference call, attended my grandchildren’s basketball games and worked into the evening Among others, I communicated with the following: Law Professor
Emerita Martha Morgan; Rev Jamal Sanders of Selma; Former White Hall Mayor John Jackson; Latonia Tisdale of Alabama Power; Karen Jones of Montgomery; Dr Adia Winfrey of the Empowerment Program; Dallas County School Superintendent Dr Corey Jones; Dorothy Hulett of Lowndes County Former Wilcox County Sheriff Prince Arnold; John Soloman, Charlene Williams and Junior Oliver of Selma; Reverend Gary Crum of the ECA (Elmwood Christian Academy) School; Robert Turner Sr of Bullock County who has death in the family; Ollion “Trell” Wright of Alexander City; and Greene County School Interim Superintendent Darryl Aikerson
WEDNESDAY – I handled many matters chaired a meeting and worked into the night Among others I communicated with the following Alabama State Senator Vivian Davis Figures; Greene County School Board President Leo Branch; Youlanda Curtis of Mobile; Selma Businessman Frank Blockton; and Greene County CSFO Marquita Lemon
THURSDAY – I traveled to Sumter County, returned to Selma, handled many matters, traveled to Lowndes County and returned to Selma Among others I communicated with the following: Lowndes County School Board members Steve Foster, Ben Davis, Robert Grant and Brant McCray; Dr Sonya Webb of the Lowndes County School System; and Marion City Clerk Laura Hinton
FRIDAY – I handled many matters and worked into the night Among others, I communicated with the following: Retired Deputy State Superintendent of Education Dr Daniel Boyd and wife Dr Lynn Boyd; Reverend Wendell “Snow Hill” Edwards of Northport; Jim Eaton of Tallassee, Florida; Priscilla Mitchell of North Carolina; Former Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Ron Sparks; Ricard Graham of Jefferson County; Selma businessman Velton Moss; and Junior Oliver of Selma
EPILOGUE – Sometimes we understand what we don t understand But religion is one of those things we understand but really don’t understand We especially don’t understand when we apply it to our lives and the lives of others I just don t understand!
EarthTalk® From the Editors of EThe Environmental Magazine
Dear EarthTalk: Everyone knows Jane Goodall was a great conservationist, but what exactly did she accomplish in her lifetime and what will be her legacy? - Winnie Marcus, Wilmington, DE
Jane Goodall was an English anthropologist and primatologist Around the world, she was most known for her 65-year-long study of wild chimpanzees She pioneered the research on chimpanzees and completely transformed our view of the species Before
ACA
Jane
her passing in October 2025, she had dedicated her life to being a global advocate for human rights and environmental protection even starting a youth empowerment program called “Roots and Shoots ”
Ever since childhood Goodall loved the outdoors, nature and animals She was unable to afford college to pursue her passion but a
“There’s about a dozen members in the conference that are in these swing districts who are fighting hard to make sure they reduce costs for all of their constituents And many of them did want to vote on this Obamacare Covidera subsidy that Democrats created, Johnson, R-La , told reporters “We looked for a way to try to allow for that pressure release valve and it just was not to be We worked on it all the way through the weekend in fact And in the end there was not an agreement it wasn t made
As Johnson s office rolled out the bill Friday, GOP leadership aides said they were working with lawmakers on a path forward for a vote on an amendment to keep the ACA funds flowing I certainly appreciate the views and the opinions of every member of this conference,” Johnson said “But I will tell you: One thing they will all join in unity on is voting for this bill that we’ve been discussing this morning ”
The centrist Republicans who have been pushing for an ACA funding extension include Reps Jen Kiggans of Virginia, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Mike Lawler of New York all of whom represent competitive districts that could make or break the Republican majority in the 2026 midterms
“I am pissed for the American people This is absolute bulls , and it’s absurd,” Lawler said Tuesday “Everybody has a responsibility to serve their district to serve their constituents You know what s funny? Three-quarters of people on Obamacare are in states Donald Trump won So maybe, just maybe, everybody should look at this and say, ‘How do we actually fix the health care system?’”
He faulted the leaders of both parties on the issue
You have two leaders that are not serious about solving this problem, Lawler said, adding that it would be idiotic” to not hold a vote on the expiring subsidies
Asked about Lawler ’s criticism Johnson called him “a very dear friend and a close colleague of mine
But, he said, other Republicans come from different districts with “different priorities and ideas ” Many Republicans want the funds to expire on schedule
Another reason the talks broke down is that leaders told the centrist Republicans that they would need to find spending cuts to pay for an ACA funding extension, which is projected to cost about $35 billion per year That’s a tall order, and one that went over poorly among those GOP members particularly as party leaders are regularly willing to waive pay-for rules on policies they favor
Some Republicans who want to extend the subsidies have not ruled out signing onto a “discharge petition” by Democrats to end-run Johnson and force a vote on a clean
trip to Nairobi Kenya to visit a friend allowed her to meet paleoanthropologist Louis Leakey Eventually, this connection allowed her to get a job at a local museum and later as part of a research team that would travel to Gombe Stream to study wild chimpanzees in Tanzania
Many challenges, including disease and disagree-
ments with fellow researchers, marked Goodall’s time in this expedition Still her commitment to observation and ethical research led the team to realize many breakthroughs that challenged scientific ideals of the time Her research revealed that chimpanzees are omnivores who hunt for meat not herbivores as previously thought She also discovered that chimps use and manufacture their own tools a trait once thought to be exclusive to humans
Goodall continued her research at Cambridge University where many researchers disagreed with her naming the chimpanzees rather than assigning them traditional number designations This conflict led her to write her recognized book “My Friends, the Wild Chimpanzees ” “‘I thought chimps were so like us but nicer, but they have a dark and aggressive side, just like we do, and they’re
three-year extension of ACA subsidies
“All options are on the table,” Lawler said
Asked if he’s open to signing the Democrats’ discharge petition Fitzpatrick said We ll talk about that after today
The GOP divisions are likely to empower House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N Y , who is insisting on a clean three-year extension with the support of all Democrats Some Democrats have backed a shorter-term extension with some reforms to win GOP votes, but Jeffries is holding firm
“There are 214 Democrats who have signed a discharge petition that would force an up-or-down vote on extending the Affordable Care Act tax credits to make sure that tens of millions of Americans don t experience increased health insurance premiums that will prevent them from being able to go see a doctor when they need one ” Jeffries said Monday “All we need are four House Republicans to join us
Rep Tim Burchett, R-Tenn , who represents a solidly red district, said members like Lawler should remember that other Republicans also have bills they won’t put to a vote
You can t have everything every time Burchett said Even though he s in a district that Kamala Harris won, we can’t just give all the committees and all the bills to the more liberal members of the party ”
Even if a discharge petition secured the votes to pass which is far from certain it would take time to reach the House floor That effectively guarantees it ll be pushed into next year, with Republicans hoping to adjourn after this week
Rep Andy Harris R-Md who was just re-elected to serve as House Freedom Caucus chairman for another year, said he isn t worried about his colleagues signing a discharge petition or even passing a bill to extend ACA funds through the House
It s their right as a member to sign a discharge petition
I m not afraid of a vote on a discharge petition These will pass in the House, and then they’ll be killed over in the Senate ” Harris said “The Senate’s already taken a position on extending the Affordable Care Act to enhance subsidies and they rejected it
Harris added that it s possible that we put a package together in January or February” dealing with health care, but he said it must be broader than just addressing ACA enrollees in order to secure his vote
Asked if he s worried that moderate Republicans may sign onto Democrats’ discharge petition, Johnson told NBC News, “I don’t worry about anything ”
Filed last January the lawsuit alleges that SB129 is an unconstitutional infringement on Alabamians’ First and Fourteenth Amendment rights
SB 129 unconstitutionally abridges the First Amendment right of the students to receive information and the right of the professors to disseminate ideas without undue imposition of governmental viewpoints,” the original complaint asserts “SB 129 violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment because it was enacted with intent to discriminate against Black professors and students and those who ally with them ” APR reported earlier this year that documents submitted as evidence in the lawsuit showed professors concerned that their classes would be effectively banned by SB129 and describing a general pall of distrust, anxiety, and fear
“As a senior, I have watched our campus change overnight, as students are afraid to speak, opportunities for thoughtful engagement have disappeared and students’ shared sense of belonging has eroded ” Sydney Testman a student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham stated With this appeal we hope the courts will recognize the real and lasting damage that SB 129 has caused to me, my classmates, and my professors
Before SB129 was enacted, Testman was the finance coordinator for UAB’s Social Justice Advocacy Council, which had received funding from the university that was terminated after UAB and other public universities closed their offices meant to encourage and help students who are members of minority groups
Signed by Governor Kay Ivey during the 2024 legislative session SB129 formally prohibits state agencies and public universities from sponsoring diversity, equity and inclusion programs or requiring individuals to personally affirm, adopt, or adhere to a divisive concept ”
In August a federal district court judge denied the plaintiffs’ request for a preliminary injunction against SB129’s enforcement He wrote that the University of Alabama Board of Trustees “clearly has an interest in regulating the type of classroom indoctrination forbidden by SB 129 and referred to the current Trump administration s stance on preferential treatment based on race
Requesting the U S Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit approve a preliminary injunction, the appeal filed earlier this week charges that the district court judge “committed an abuse of discretion” by ruling that the students and the Alabama NAACP lacked standing which contributed to the denial of the request for an injunction
It also challenges claims that SB129 is not unconstitutionally vague and that professors speech affected by SB129 is not protected by the First Amendment
“The law continues to censor classrooms restrict student expression and disproportionately harm Black and LGBTQ+ students ” Legal Defense Fund Senior Counsel Antonio Ingram wrote “We will continue to challenge SB 129 because every student in Alabama deserves an accurate, high-quality education free from discrimination, fear, or undue interference from politicians
capable of violence, brutality, killing and a kind of primitive war ” Goodall said But also just like us they have a loving, compassionate and truly altruistic side so that an adult male may adopt an orphan whose mother has died There was this little infant, who was just three and a half, we thought he would die; there was nobody looking after him And then, to our amazement, a 12-year-old male adopted him, carried him around shared his food and his nest with him and saved his life, she added
While this was Goodall’s most well-known work it was not her last After receiving her Ph d, Goodall continued to advocate for wildlife protection and conservation of endangered habitats As a researcher, Goodall left her legacy on challenging the idea of human uniqueness Her youth empowerment, reforestation and activism also inspired multiple genera-
tions to come together for conservation
CONTACTS: My Life with The Chimpanzees, H Y P E R L I N K "https://a co/d/4qghX8o"htt ps://a co/d/4qghX8o; Take Action For Forests & Greening Your Community, HYPERLINK "https://janegoodall org/take-action-forforests-greening-your-com m u n i t y / " h t t p s : / / j a n egoodall org/take-action-forforests-greening-your-com munity/
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk See more a t H Y P E R L I N K
https://emagazine com To donate visit HYPERLINK "https://earthtalk org/"https: //earthtalk org Send questions to: HYPERLINK " m a
Sier r a Club and HBCU
With more than 5 000 chapter outings leaders nationwide the partnership brings a new group of young Black leaders into the Sierra Club’s national network connecting thousands of people across the country to the outdoors HBCUs Outside is a nonprofit providing students and faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with the resources needed to build sustainable outdoor communities, lead outings, and engage with the outdoor industry
During the trainings, students completed the Sierra Club Chapter Outings Leader Course which covered ethical leadership risk management best practices in outings planning and strategies for building community led conservation and outdoor access movements In partnership with Sierra Club Chapters, sessions took place in Georgia, Washington D C , and North Carolina and drew students from Spelman College, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine, Clark Atlanta University, Howard University, and North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
“The partnership between HBCUs and the Sierra Club centers on creating inclusive outdoor experiences for students This year ’s North Carolina training with A&T University students showcased shared curiosity, skill, and honest dialogue Students brought outdoor expertise, asked deep questions, and remained engaged Together, we addressed issues of safety, belonging, and comfort for Brown and Black people in outdoor spaces, especially when navigating a predominantly white outdoor industry and today s political climate said Lornett Vestal Senior Campaign Strategist with theSierra Club’s Military Outdoors program
“The forming of this partnership between the Sierra Club and HBCUs Outside has been one of the most fulfilling experiences during my time with the Sierra Club Student participation in these trainings is just one step of their holistic journey to leading outings for their communities I am honored to be part of it and look forward to being a network of support as they refine their practice and create meaningful experiences for their participants ” Marissa Llanes Chapter Outings Team Director
‘Con Job’
Private employers cut 32 000 jobs in November according to ADP Because the nation has been hemorrhaging jobs since President Trump took office, the administration has halted publishing the traditional monthly report The ADP report revealed that small businesses suffered the heaviest losses Establishments with fewer than 50 workers shed 120,000 positions, including 74,000 from companies with 20 to 49 workers Larger firms added 90,000 jobs, widening the split between those rising and those falling Meanwhile wealth continues to climb for the few who already possess most of it Federal Reserve data shows the top 1 percent now holds $52 trillion The top 10 percent added $5 trillion in the second quarter alone The bottom half gained only 6 percent over the past year a number so small it fades beside the towering fortunes above it Less educated and poorer people tend to make worse mistakes,” John Campbell said to CBS News, while noting that the complexity of the system leaves many families lost before they even begin Campbell a Harvard University economist and coauthor of a book examining the country s broken personal finance structure, pointed to a system built to confuse and punish those who lack time, training, or access Creditors are just breathing down their necks Carol Fox told Bloomberg News, while noting that rising borrowing costs, shrinking consumer spending, and trade battles under the current administration have left owners desperate Fox serves as a court-appointed Subchapter V trustee in Southern Florida and has watched the crisis unfold case by case
During a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Trump told those present that affordability “doesn’t mean anything to anybody ” He added that Democrats created a “con job” to mislead the public
However, more than $30 million in taxpayer funds reportedly have supported his golf travel Reports show Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel have also made extensive use of private jets through government and political networks The administration approved a $40 billion bailout of Argentina The president’s wealthy donors recently gathered for a dinner celebrating his planned $300 million White House ballroom
During an appearance on CNBC, Mark Zandi, an economist, warned that the country could face serious economic threats “We have learned that people make many mistakes ” Campbell added “And particularly sadly less educated and poorer people tend to make worse mistakes
Goodall left her legacy on challenging the idea of human uniqueness, but her activism also inspired multiple generations to come
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT
Relating to the Greene County Racing Commission; to amend Sections
Code of Alabama 1975, to increase the annual compensation of members of the commission; to further provide for the duties of members of the commission; to delete certain restrictions on the number of racing days authorized; to increase the authorized license fee; to establish a residency requirement as a condition for licensure; to provide Legislative intent; to further provide for the levy of a local tax on parimutuel wagering; to further provide for the distribution of revenues; and to repeal Section 45-32-150 09, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the suspension or revocation of a license and Section 45-32-150 19, Code of Alabama 1975, relating to the manipulation of racing outcomes BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
45-32-150 07, 45-32150 08, 45-32-150 11, 4532-150 12 45-32-150 13 45-32-150 16 and45-32150 20, Code of Alabama 1975, are amended to read as follows:
"§45-32-150
(a) The Greene County Racing Commission is hereby created and established and is vested with the powers and duties specified in this part, and all other powers necessary and proper to enable it to execute fully and effectually the purposes of this part The official name of the commission shall be Greene County Racing Commission the same being sometimes referred to herein as the racing commission or the commission
(b) The commission shall consist of three persons who shall be appointed by the Governor legislative delegation thatrepresents Greene County in the House and the Senate for the State of Alabama Each such member shall hold office for a term of eight three years from the effective date of the appointment; provided, however the term of office of the present three commissioners shall expire three years aftertheir last appointment
(c) If a vacancy occurs for any reason then that position shall be filled for the unexpired term and that commissioner shall be chosen in the same manner as other commissioners are appointed
(d) All books, records, maps documents and papers shall constitute public records, and shall be available for copying, examination and inspection during all normal business hours by any agency, official, or personnel
"§45-32-150 01
(a) The members of the commission shall be qualified electors of Greene County and not less than 21 years of age, who shall have resided in the State of Alabama for a period of not less than five years next preceding their appointment Each commissioner shall take the same constitutional oath of office as other county officers, and shall give bond payable to the county in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000), conditioned that he or she shall faithfully and properly per-
A Bill To Be Entitled An Act
form the duties of his or her office The premiums on such the bonds shall be paid by the commission
The commission may employ such assistance as many assistants and employees as may be necessary who shall be paid out of funds deposited in the county treasury to the credit of the racing commission
(b) A member of the racing commission may not be an official member of any board of directors, or person financially interested in any race track pari-mutuel license, or race meeting licensed by the commission, nor shall he or she race dogs in any race meeting licensed by the commission
(c) An individual member of the commission or any officer employee or agent of the commission shall not be held personally liable for any liability, loss, damage or expense suffered by any person as the result of any action taken by the commission, unless the liability loss damage or expense arises out of or results from the willful misconduct or wrongdoing of the member, officer, employee or agent "
"§45-32-150 02
(a) The qualifications and manner of appointment of members of the Greene County Racing Commission shall be set by local law The salary or other compensation of a member of the Greene County Racing Commission shall be set by the local legislative delegation that represents Greene County in the state Legislature The compensation of each member of the commission shall be twenty-five thousand dollars ($25 000) annually
Each commissioner who attends a racing event or performs the duties required by this part at the facility shall receive an additional fifty dollars ($50) per day
(b) One member of the commission shall be in attendance or on call to cover each 24-hour pari-mutuel day required to be in attendance at each racing event
(c) Each member of the Greene County Racing Commission shall be paid at the same rate as any other employee of the Greene County Commission for attending any outof-town meeting on official business of the Greene County Racing Commission
(d) The above compensation and other sums required to be paid under this section shall be paid out of the funds in the county treasury deposited to the credit of collected by the Greene County Racing Commission and shall be paid to the commissioners in the same manner as the compensation of other county officers is paid "
"§45-32-150 06
Any person, association, or corporation desiring to operate a racetrack or parimutuel license in the county, shall have the right, subject to this part, to hold and conduct one or more racing meetings at the track each year, provided that no such license shall be granted to any person, association or corporation or to any track for a period including more than 313 racing days in any one year The racing days shall include the charity days as provided in Section 45-32150 21 for the racetrack
"§45-32-150 07
No race or racing shall be permitted on Sunday No person individual under 18 years of age shall may be employed in any manner about the race track or pari-mutuel license except as exercise boys and grooms; nor shall persons under 18 years of age or
be permitted to attended any race
"§45-32-150 08
(a) On or before the first day of December of each year, anyAny person, association, or corporation possessing the qualifications prescribed in this part shall have the right to apply to the racing commission for a permit or license to conduct race meetings and racing under this part
(b) On or before the first day of January of each year, Within 30 days after the receipt of any such application under this section the commission shall convene to consider and act upon all permits or licenses applied for which an application has been received
(c) Approved permits or licenses shall be granted for a period of not more than 10 years from the date of issuance and shall set forth, in addition to any other information prescribed by the commission the name of the licensee the location of the race track or pari-mutuel license duration of the race meeting and the kind of racing desired to be conducted and shall show the receipt by the commission of a license fee set by the commission the setting of which is hereby authorized, provided, however, the license fee shall not exceed one thousand dollars ($1 000) annually
(d) The fee for the license shall be established by the commission The annual license fee may not exceed twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) or, for multi-year contracts, not more than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25 000) for each year of the multiyear contract
(e) No such license issued under this section shall be transferable, nor shall it apply to any other place, track, or enclosure, except the one specified in this license with the approval of the commission
(1)(f) The commission shall not issue any licenses which would permit any two race tracks in the county to operate on the same racing days Further, after the firstlicense has been issued to the licensee all subsequent applications for The commission may issue no more than two racetrack or pari-mutuel licenses
(g) When applying to renew a license, by a permit holder the application shall be accompanied by proof, in such a form as the commission may require, that the licensee still possesses the qualifications set out in this part Such The application for renewal of licenses a license shall be granted upon the same terms and conditions as previously issued and shall not be denied except for due cause
(h) An application for a license to operate a racetrack or pari-mutuel pool shall only be granted if the applicant meets the following:
(1) The applicant is a corporation, association, company, partnership, sole proprietorship individual or other legal entity that has been incorporated, organized, or otherwise established in this state and currently holds a racetrack or pari-mutuel license immediately preceding the date on which the license is issued
(2) If the applicant is a corporation, association, company, partnership, sole proprietorship or other legal entity the applicant has been incorporated, organized, or otherwise established in this state for at least five years and its managing member or majority officer has been a resident of this state for at least five years immedi-
ately preceding the date on which the license is issued
(3) If the applicant is an individual the applicant has been a resident of this state for at least five years immediately preceding the date on which the license is issued
(2)(i) Seventy-fiveTo the best of a licensee's ability, 75 percent of the employees of the track or tracks shall be bona fide resident citizens of Greene County, Alabama " "§45-32-150 11
(a) The commission shall have the power to grant, refuse, suspend, or withdraw licenses to all persons connected with race tracks, including gate keepers, announcers, ushers, starters, officials, drivers dog owners agents trainers grooms stable foremen, exercise boys, veterinarians, valets, sellers of racing forms or bulletins and attendants in connection with the wagering machines, pursuant to such the rules and regulations as adopted by the commission may adopt and upon the payment of a license fee as fixed and determined by the commission in accordance with the position and compensation of such person
(b) Any license may be revoked by the commission at its discretion and any person whose license is revoked shall be ineligible to participate in such occupation connected with racing unless the license is returned by the commission with permission to operate there under The commission may deny or revoke a license to any person who has been refused or denied a license by any other state racing commission or racing authority
(c) Upon a licensee's willful violation of this part or any rule of the commission the commission may do either of the following:
(1) Suspend or revoke the license of the licensee (2) Assess a fine against the licensee of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense
"§45-32-150 12
(a) The commission shall make rules governing, permitting, and regulating the wagering on dog races under the form of mutuel wagering by patrons known as pari-mutuel wagering, which method shall be legal to the extent that and so long as the same is carried on and conducted strictly in conformity with this part, and not otherwise Only the persons associations or corporations receiving a license from the commission shall have the right or privilege to conduct this type of wagering and the licenses shall restrict and confine this form of wagering to a space within the race meeting grounds All other forms of wagering on the result of dog races shall continue to be illegal, and any or all wagering outside of the enclosure of such races, where races shall have been licensed by the commission shall be illegal
(b) No person or corporation shall directly or indirectly purchase pari-mutuel tickets or participate purchase of any part of a parimutuel pool for another hire or for any gratuity and no person shall purchase any part of a pari-mutuel pool through another wherein he or she gives or pays directly or indirectly such other person anything of value Any person violating this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500) or by imprison-
ment not to exceed six months, or both fine and imprisonment in the discretion of the court (c) In addition to other rules and regulations that may be promulgated adopted by the racing commission the following shall be complied with by the licensee or operator of the race plant and employees thereof :
(1) A duly licensed veterinarian shall be on the grounds at weighing time and make examination of the physical condition of each greyhound and any dog not considered to be in good physical condition, shall be reported to the presiding official
(2)(1) An adequate security force shall be employed as prescribed by the racing commission Members of security force shall have the same powers as other law enforcement officers of the county while performing their duties on the premises of the racetrack
(3)(2) Public liability insurance shall be carried by the licensee or operator in an amount and with a company approved by the racing commission
(4)(3) A pari-mutuel ticket shall not be sold to an individual who is visibly inebriated
(5) The racing operator is authorized to open theGreene County Racetrack for business and to conduct live greyhound racing and or televised horse or greyhound racing and parimutuel wagering during the hours as it deems desirable, however in no event shall the racing commission be authorized to allow live greyhound racing or televised horse or greyhound racing or both and pari-mutuel wagering thereon to be conducted after 2:00 AM on Sunday; provided that the racing operator shall not conduct any live racing event at the Greene County Racetrack before 10:00 AM, nor shall it present any televised racing event before 8:00 AM with the hour to be determined according to the time then applicable in Alabama If the racing operator keeps the Greene County Racetrack open for business until midnight on any day, whether conducting pari-mutuel wagering on live racing or televised racing, or both, the racing operator may continue all or any of its operations past midnight for not exceeding the first two hours of the following day, even if the following day is not a day on which the Greene County Racetrack is scheduled to be open for business as a racing day permitted under this part, and the time not exceeding two hours for which the operations of the racetrack are continued into the following day shall not be counted as a racing day or any part thereof against the limit of racing days permitted the racing operator in any one year A parimutuel ticket shall not be sold to an individual who is visibly inebriated
(6)(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of this part and any rules and regulations of the racing commission now in effect, there shall be no limit imposed upon the number of races which may be conducted within a single racing program " "§45-32-150 13
(a) Every licensee conducting race meetings under this part shall pay to the ex-officio treasurer of the racing commission, for the use of the commission, a tax in an amount equal to four percent of the total contributions to all simulcast pari-mutuel pools conducted or made on any race track or pari-mutuel li-
censee licensed under this part The commission of a licensee on a pari-mutuel pool shall in no event exceed 18 percent of the amount contributed to thepari-mutuel pool, which amount shall include the four percent tax heretofore provided After the deduction of the four percent for the use of the commission and the percentage commission of the licensee the remainder of the total contributions to each pool shall be divided among and redistributed to the contributors to such pools betting on the winning dog The amount of each redistribution for each winning bet placed shall be determined by dividing the total amount remaining in the pool after the deductions hereinabove provided for by the number of bets placed on the winning dog Each redistribution shall be made in a sum equal to the next lowest multiple of 10 The licensee is entitled to retain the odd cents of all redistributions to be known as the breaks to the dime and all monies represented by any unclaimed, uncashed, or abandoned pari-mutuel tickets known as outs money Under the pari-mutuel system of wagering herein provided, the licensee shall be permitted to provide separate pools for bets to win place and show and also a daily double pool, a quiniela pool, double quiniela pool, trifecta pool and such other bets and pools as the commission may from time to time allow Each pool shall be redistributed separately as herein provided Should there be no ticket bet on the winning dog, the entire pool shall be divided among the holders of tickets on the dog running next in line until the pool has been redistributed to the contributors The licensee shall be required to use a totalizator machine to record the wagering and compute the odds Rules and regulations governing the operation of each of the pools shall be set out in book form by the racing commission The licensee shall collect from each person attending the race meeting under this part 15 percent of the established admissions price or ten cents ($ 10) whichever sum is greater as an admission tax Licensees shall make payment of such taxes to the ex-officio treasurer of the racing commission every tenth calendar day of any and every race meeting, which payment shall be accompanied by a report on the races covered by such report and such other information as the commission may require Every license issued by the commission shall contain the terms, conditions, provisions, percentage commissions of licensee and tax as set forth in this section, which such terms, conditions, provisions, percentage commission of licensee and tax shall not be altered or changed during the term of such license without the mutual consent of the commission and licensee (b) Every licensee conducting historical horse racing under this part shall pay to the ex-officio treasurer of the racing commission, for the use of the commission, a tax in an amount equal to 10 percent of the total contributions less prizes and promotions paid to winners from all historical horse racing parimutuel pools conducted or made on any racetrack or pari-mutuel licensee under this part The tax may be adjusted as determined necessary by the commission but shall not exceed 15 percent " See Bill to Be Entitled, p 8
"§45-32-150 16
A Bill To Be Entitled An Act
(a) All fees, commissions, taxes, and other monies including fines and forfeitures received under this part shall be paid to the Treasurer of Greene County and deposited by the treasurer in the county treasury to the account of the ex-officio Treasurer of the Greene County Racing Commission and distributed by and through the Greene County Racing Commission All such monies remaining, after payment of expenses incurred and retention of necessary operational funding in the administration of this part, including the payment of the salaries and expenses of the members and employees of this commission, shall may be distributed on a quarterly basis as follows:
(1) There shall be distributed toTo the Greene County Commission, an amount not to exceed two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000)forty thousand dollars ($40,000) per year:
a To pay principal of and interest on bonds warrants or other securities at any time thereafter issued by the Greene County Commission for the purpose of providing and equipping the existing jail facility; or constructing new jail facilities and renovating improving and equipping existing jail facilities
b To enable the county to make lease rental payments to any public corporation in an amount sufficient to retire bonds or other securities issued by such public corporation for the purpose of providing funds to pay cost of acquiring, providing, construction, and equipping a new jail facility; renovating improving and equipping the existing jail facility; or constructing new jail facilities and renovating existing jail facilities or any combination thereof
c To pay principal of and any interest on bonds warrants or other securities at any time hereafter issued by the Greene County Commission for the purpose of providing funds to pay costs of acquiring, providing, constructing, and equipping a new county courthouse; and renovating improving and equipping the existing county courthouse
d To enable the county to make lease rental payments to any public corporation in an amount sufficient to retire bonds or other securities issued by such public corporation for the purpose of providing funds to pay costs of acquiring, providing, construction and equipping a new county courthouse; renovating, improving, and equipping the existing county courthouse; or acquiring providing constructing, and equipping a new county courthouse and renovating, improving, and equipping the existing county courthouse or any combination thereof At such time as the principal and interest bonds, warrants or other securities heretofore mentioned are satisfied, then the sum shall be prorated equally as provided in the following subdivisions (2) (3) (4) and (5) The balance is to be distributed as follows:
(2) Twenty-five percent of the monies shall be appropriated to the municipalities of Greene County on a per capita basis according to the most recent population figures used by the federal government for the purpose of revenue sharing or if these figures are not available the most recent federal decennial
census shall be used
(3) Five Seven percent to the Greene County Hospital Board
(4) Thirty percent of the monies shall be appropriated to the Greene County Board of Education
(5) One percent to the E-911 system
(6) Two percent to the Greene County Industrial Development Authority to be used first for the develpment and provision of natural gas to the Crossroads of American Industrial Park
(7) One percent for the maintenance or provision of a county ambulance service
(5)(8) FortyThirty-four percent of the monies shall be appropriated to the General Fund of Greene County to be allocated and spent in the following prescribed manner:
a Fifty-five and onehalfForty percent of this amount shall remain unearmarked and may be spent by the county commission in any manner, provided by law, for the benefit of the citizens of Greene County, by the county governing body thereof
b Ten percent to be used by the county governing bodycommission to upgradefor law enforcement purposes in the county
c Fifteen percent for the Greene County fire departments
c Eight percent for the maintenance of a county ambulance service
d TwoFour percent for the establishment and maintenance of day care centers within the county
e Three Four and onehalf percent to be appropriated to the Greene County Library Association for the upgrading of the library system
f One Two percent to be appropriated to the Community Services Programs of Tuscaloosa-Bibb Counties Incorporated to be used for assistance to low income residents of Greene County
g Two percent to be appropriated to the West Alabama Mental Health Center, Incorporated, to be used for mental health services within Greene County
h One Three percent to be appropriated to the Greene County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)Woman to Woman Incorporated
i Two Three and onehalf percent to be appropriated to the Society of Folk Arts and Culture, Incorporated, for culture and youth development
j One percent to be appropriated to the Greene County Commission to be used as follows:
1 One-third of the one percent thereof to be used by the county commission in cultural and historical preservation
2 One-third of the one
j One percent thereof to the Greene County Historical Society for their use in restoring and preserving historic sites and buildings in the county
3 One-third of the onek One percent thereof to the Alabama Civil Rights Educational Freedom Museum, Incorporated
k Two l Three percent to the Greene County Health Department to be used for general health care in Greene County and to augment the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and related health programs in Greene County
l Three m Four percent to be appropriated to the Parks and Recreation Board No more than 15 percent of the three percent thereof shall be used for maintenance and development of the Greene County Golf Course
m n Four and one-half percent to Greene County Community Improvement Association for the construction renovation and operation of community centers in Tishabee, Clinton, Dollarhide, Knoxville, Mantua, and Mt Hebron When the foregoing facilities have been constructed and renovated in these communities, then the funds shall be designated for the general use and operations of the Greene County Community Improvement Association for the construction of additional community centers and the operation of community centers in Greene County
n.o One and three-quarters percent to be appropriated to Branch Heights o p Three-quarters percent to be appropriated to the county department of human resources p One and one-half percent to be appropriated to the E-911 system
(b) The Greene County Racing Commission shall redistribute the allocated funding of any defunct agency or organization receiving funds under this section
"§45-32-150 20
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transmit or communicate to another by any means whatsoever the results changing odds track conditions or any other information relating to any greyhound race from any race track in this county between the period of time beginning one hour prior to the first race of the day and ending 30 minutes after the posting of the official results of each race as to that particular race, except that this period may be reduced to permit the transmitting of the results of the last race each day not sooner than 15 minutes after the official posting of such results Provided however that the commission may, by rule, permit the immediate transmission by radio, television, or press wire of any pertinent information concerning feature races
(b)(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to transmit by any means whatsoever racing information to any other person, or to relay the same to any other person by word of mouth by signal or by use of telephone, telegraph, radio, or any other means, when the information is knowingly used or intended to be used for illegal gambling purposes, or in furtherance of such gambling purposes
(b) No license shall be issued which would allow any race track or parimutuel licensee in the county to operate on the same day
(c) Any person violating this section shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be imprisoned in the state penitentiary for not less than one year nor more than 10 years or shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both in the discretion of the court "
Section 2 (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that a computerized machine which replays actual historical horse races and allows pari-mutuel wagering thereon is already a permissible lawful activity at each of the four parimutuel wagering racetracks in the State of Alabama The Legislature hereby further finds and declares that a uniform local tax on the handle from pari-mutuel wagering on these historical horse racing computerized ma-
chines is necessary for the licensed racetrack and parimutuel licenses located in Greene County so that such racetrack and pari-mutuel licenses can be competitive with the other racetracks and pari-mutuel licenses located in the State of Alabama
(b) For purposes of this act, pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing computerized machines may be conducted without regard to any of the following: (i) The type of graphics on the machine used to conduct the activity; (ii) whether the patron chooses a specific horse upon which to wager; and (iii) whether the patron watches all or part of the historical race
(c) The local tax on parimutuel wagering on historical horse races on these computerized machines at the Greene County racetrack and other pari-mutuel licenses shall be calculated at a rate up to 15 percent and the state tax rate shall be levied at one percent and shall be collected administered and distributed in the same manner and on the same terms as are applicable to the local parimutuel tax on live greyhound racing conducted at the Greene County racetrack and parimutuel licenses provided that the total handle less prizes paid to winners from pari-mutuel wagering of historical horse races on these computerized machines shall be separately calculated from any other racing handle, live or simulcast
(d) It is the intent of the Legislature in assessing a state and local tax that the tax shall be in lieu of any other tax on pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse races on these computerized machines that may otherwise be imposed by law including but not limited to, any tax assessed pursuant to Sections 4532-151 02, 40-23-2, 40-2361 and 40-12-222 Code of Alabama 1975
Section 3 The following sections are repealed: (1) Section 45-32-150 09 Code of Alabama 1975 relating to the suspension or revocation of licenses (2) Section 45-32-150 19, Code of Alabama 1975 relating to the manipulation of race outcomes
Section 4 This act shall become effective immediately
4tch 12/10, 17, 24, 31
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
GREENE COUNTY
Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Bessie Hall a widow, originally in favor of United States of America acting through the Farmers Home Administration United States Department of Agriculture on August 25, 1993, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County Alabama, at Book 37, Page 154; the undersigned United States of America, acting through the Farmers Home Administration United States Department of Agriculture as Mortgagee/Transferee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash or certified funds, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Greene County, Alabama on January 8 2026 during the legal hours of sale all of its right title and interest in and to the following described real estate situated in Greene County, Alabama, to-wit:
A ONE (1) ACRE TRACT IN NE 1/4 OF SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST IN GREENE COUNTY ALABAMA:
DESCRIBED AS BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST SECTION LINE AT THE NORTH MARGIN OF A PUBLIC ROAD SAID POINT BEING 2,744 FEET NORTH OF THE SE CORNER OF SAID SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH, RANGE 1 EAST, PROCEED NORTH 4°50' WEST
208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN THENCE NORTH 88° WEST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN, THENCE SOUTH 4°50' EAST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF SAID PUBLIC ROAD, THENCE SOUTH 88° EAST 208 7 FEET TO AN IRON PIN AND POINT OF BEGINNING
Property street address for informational purposes: RR 2 Box 164-A Boligee, AL 35443
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 A B O V E - D E S C R I B E D PROPERTY IS SITUATED THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED 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 said mortgage as well as the expenses of foreclosure
The successful bidder must tender cash or certified funds made payable to Aldridge Pite LLP at the time and place of the sale If sale is voided Mort-
gagee/Transferee shall return the bid amount to the successful purchaser The Mortgagee/Transferee and Aldridge Pite, LLP shall not be liable to the purchaser for any damages If the sale is set aside for any reason the purchaser at the sale shall be only entitled to a return of the bid amount The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation United States of America, acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture
M o r t g a g e e / T r a n s f e r e e ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP
Six Piedmont Center 3525 Piedmont Road, N E , Suite 700 Atlanta GA 30305 Attorney for Mortgagee/Transferee
THIS OFFICE IS ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR AND IS ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INF O R M A T I O N OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE
P U B L I C A T I O N
DATES: December 17, 2025 December 24 2025 December 31, 2025
NEWSPAPER: Greene County Democrat
MORTGAGE FORE-
CLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by Chemeria D Smith, unmarried woman originally in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc as nominee for Prosperity Home Mortgage LLC its successors and assigns, on July 26, 2023, said mortgage recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County Alabama in Mortgage Book 93 Page 919; with Modification Agreement recorded on July 29, 2025, in Mortgage Book 96 Page 58 ; the undersigned Regions Bank dba Regions Mortgage as M o r t g a g e e / T r a n s f e r e e , under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Courthouse at Eutaw Greene County, Alabama, on January 22 2026 during the legal hours of sale, all of its rights title and interest in and to the following described real estate, situated in Greene County Alabama, to-wit: Lot No Three (3) of the Lugenia Kirksey Dixon Subdivision described as follows: Begin at a concrete stone on the North margin of a gravel road which is 18 feet North and 210 feet West of the SE corner of the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 33, Township 21 North Range 2 East in Greene County, Alabama; thence proceed along the North margin of said road South 87 degrees 30 minutes West for 115 4 feet to a concrete stone; thence North 1 degrees 30 minutes West for 192 feet to a concrete stone; thence North 87 degrees 30 minutes East for 115 4 feet to an iron pin; thence South 1 degrees 30 minutes East for 192 feet to the Point of Beginning Said lot is in the SW 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 33 Township 21 North Range 2 East, Greene County, Alabama Property street address for informational purposes: 151 Walden Quarters Boligee AL 35443 THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD
ON AN “AS IS, WHERE IS” BASIS WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE EXPRESSED 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 said mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure
The successful bidder must tender a non-refundable deposit of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000 00) in certified funds made payable to Tiffany & Bosco, P A at the time and place of the sale The balance of the purchase price plus any deed recording costs and transfer taxes must be paid in certified funds by noon the next business day at the Law Office of Tiffany & Bosco, P A at the address indicated below Tiffany & Bosco P A reserves the right to award the bid to the next highest bidder should the highest bidder fail to timely tender the total amount due The Mortgagee/Transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate
This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation Regions Bank dba Regions Mortgage, ("Transferee") Tiffany & Bosco P A 2501 20th Place South, Suite 300 Homewood AL 35223 www tblaw com TB File Number: 25-12653RM-AL 12/17/2025 12/24/2025, 12/31/2025
NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
STATE OF ALABAMA COUNTY OF GREENE
Default having been made of the terms of the loan documents secured by that certain mortgage executed by George Hall unmarried, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc as mortgagee, as nominee for USAA Federal Savings Bank, its successors and assigns dated December 14 2021; said mortgage being recorded on January 24 2022 in Deed Book 90 Page 785, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County, Alabama Said Mortgage was last sold assigned and transferred to Nationstar Mortgage LLC by assignment recorded in Deed Book 211, Page 863, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County, Alabama
The undersigned, Nationstar Mortgage LLC under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash before the main entrance of the Court House in Greene County Alabama during the legal hours of sale (between 11am and 4pm), on June 24, 2025 the following property situated in Greene County, Alabama, to-wit:
FIVE ACRES MORE OR LESS IN THE SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 OF SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 21 NORTH RANGE 1 EAST DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SAID SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 AND RUN WEST ALONG THE
SOUTH LINE OF SAID SE 1/4 OF NE 1/4 A DISTANCE OF 200 FEET MORE OR LESS TO A POINT TURN THENCE RIGHT 87 DEGREES 30 MINUTES AND RUN NORTH A DISTANCE OF 81 FEET MORE OR LESS TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF A BLACK TOP ROAD WHICH IS THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTINUE THENCE NORTH ON THE SAME STRAIGHT LINE A DISTANCE OF 640 FEET MORE OR LESS TO AN IRON PIPE TURN THENCE LEFT 87 DEGREES 30' AND RUN WEST A DISTANCE OF 400 FEET MORE OR LESS TO AN IRON PIPE TURN THENCE LEFT 92 DEGREES 30' AND RUN SOUTH A DISTANCE OF 466 FEET MORE OR LESS TO AN IRON PIPE ON THE NORTH MARGIN OF THE AFOREMENTIONED BLACK TOP ROAD RUN THENCE LEFT 68 DEGREES 30' AND RUN SOUTHEAST ALONG THE NORTH MARGIN OF SAID BLACK TOP ROAD A DISTANCE OF 430 FEET MORE OR LESS TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING
Said property is commonly known as 1570 County Road 133, Boligee, AL 35443
Should a conflict arise between the property address and the legal description the legal description will control
Said property will be sold subject to any outstanding ad valorem taxes (including taxes which are a lien but not yet due and payable), the right of redemption of any taxing authority all outstanding liens for public utilities which constitute liens upon the property, any matters which might be disclosed by an accurate survey and inspection of the property, any assessments liens encumbrances, easements, rights-of-way, zoning ordinances restrictions special assessments, covenants, the statutory right of redemption pursuant to Alabama law and any matters of record including, but not limited to, those superior to said Mortgage first set out above Said property will be sold on an "as-is" basis without any representation, warranty or recourse against the above-named or the undersigned The successful bidder must present certified funds in the amount of the winning bid at the time and place of sale
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
The sale will be conducted subject (1) to confirmation that the sale is not prohibited under the U S Bankruptcy Code and (2) to final confirmation and audit of the status of the loan with the holder of the Mortgage NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC as holder of said mortgage McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce LLP 505 20th Street N, Suite 1775 Birmingham, AL 35203
Telephone: (205) 216-4238
FT21@mccalla com File No 2506754AL w w w f o r e c l o s u r e h o tline net
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until September 26, 2025, and public notice thereof having been given, the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment
Greene County Democrat September 10 2025
AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until November 25, 2025, and public notice thereof having been given, the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment
Greene County Democrat, November 12, 2025
AMENDMENT TO NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
The sale date under the above mentioned Notice of Mortgage Foreclosure Sale has been postponed until December 30, 2025, and public notice thereof having been given the above notice is hereby republished with this amendment
Greene County Democrat, December 17, 2025
25-06754AL
MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE
Default having being made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage dated May 15 2020 executed by Terrance J Davis aka Terrance Davis a single person, in favor of Wells Fargo Bank N A said Mortgage being recorded May 21, 2020, in Book 0087 Page 135 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County Alabama; having later been assigned to Newrez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing by instrument recorded in Book 210 Page 400, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County Alabama Said default continues and notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Newrez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, 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 01/22/2026 during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate situated in Greene County, Alabama, to-wit: Commence at the Northwest corner of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 3, Township 23 North, Range 3 East Greene County, Alabama, said corner being the Point of Commencement; thence run South 89 deg 46' 37” East along the North boundary line of said Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 3 for a distance of 161 90 feet to a concrete monument; thence run South 00 deg 07' 07” East for a distance of 178 11 feet to an iron rod in the center of Greene County Road No 17, said rod being the Point of Beginning; thence continue South 00 deg 07' 07” East
for a distance of 51 87 feet to a concrete monument; thence run South 89 deg 56' 36” East for a distance of 190 09 feet to a concrete monument; thence run North 00 deg 09' 02” West for a distance of 225 53 feet to an iron rod in the centerline of said Greene County Road No 17; thence run Westerly along the centerline of said Greene County Road No 17 as follows: North 79 deg 28' 53” West for a chord distance of 18 59 feet; thence run South 86 deg 46' 23” West for a chord distance of 40 57 feet; thence run South 30 deg 27' 12 West for a chord distance of 44 79 feet; thence run South 30 deg 27 12 West for a chord distance of 173 22 feet to the Point of Beginning Said parcel lying in the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 2 Township 23 North, Range 3 East, Greene County, Alabama, as shown on that certain survey by Mullins & Associates Inc attached to Deed recorded in Deed Book 154 Page 94 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Greene County, Alabama
The above described parcel is subject to rightof-way of Greene County Road No 17 Together with that certain 2004 56x32 Fleetwood mobile home VIN G
A
9 C D 1 1 a n d GAFL475B75829CD11 For informational purposes only the property address is: 227 Old Patton Rd Knoxville AL 35469 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 A B O V E - D E S C R I B E D 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
Newrez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing Paul K Lavelle Esq Attorney for Mortgagee Spina, & Lavelle, P C One Perimeter Park South-Suite 400N Birmingham Alabama 35243 (205) 298-1800 30-FC-25-01578 See Legal Notices, p 11
Alpha Beta Nu Ome ga Donates over 2,000 CHIPP Backpacks
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ® Alpha Beta Nu Omega Chapter recently commemorated a remarkable milestone: the successful preparation and distribution of over 2,000 Childhood Hunger Initiative Power Pack (CHIPP) to Branch Heights Community After School Tutorial Program students at the Greene County Housing Authority Since 2023, under the leadership of past president, Katie Jones-Powell and present president, Barbara Martin’s guidance the program has flourished Support and strategic planning from program chairpersons, Carolynn Branch and Karmelia Brown, committee member, Kimberly Evans, and chapter members have made a profound impact on students and families in this community
Alpha Beta Nu Omega is addressing the issue of childhood hunger under The Empower our Families Initiative by implementing a local weekly service program focused on providing power packs of healthy foods to sustain children throughout the weekend. The committee shops at Sams Club, and pack backpacks for fifty-nine students/families to distribute each Thursday Each pack contains two nutritious, non-perishable meals consisting of snacks, breakfasts, and lunches
Alpha Beta Nu Omega is committed to providing weekend meals while working to improve children’s psychological, behavioral, and physical wellness This initiative reflects the sorority’s sustained commitment to community impact through targeted service
FOGCE 50th
Gathering at FOGCE 50th Anniversary Celebration
Dr Carol Zippert accepts FOGCE celebratory plaque from Cornelius Blanding
Mrs Joyce Pham presents symbol of appreciation to Dr. Carol P. Zippert for 50 years of service to FOGCE Federal Credit Union
Zippert gave special recognition to the late Mr Willie Carpenter, who served as manager of FOGCE for over 30 years and was known as Mr Credit Union She also acknowledged two founders who were not able to attend the celebration, Mr Spiver Gordon and Mr Bill Edwards Special tribute was lifted for the late Mr Jonas Smothers who conducted a vigorous membership drive in the early years
Ms Mollie Rowe, Board Secretary, lifted a Memorial Tribute for the foot soldiers of our movement who have passed on Mrs Joyce Pham, FOGCE Manager, and Mr Rodney Pham, Credit Committee Chairperson, through Seniors Helping Hand, gifted 5 guests with $100 each toward a utility bill Mrs Robinson and Mrs Pham announced that the first 10 individuals to join the credit union would each receive a sponsored membership
Ms Jacqueline Allen, Board Member, recognized all FOGCE Board, Credit Committee and Supervisory Committee Members, elected officials, and special guests including Mrs Bobbie Carpenter, wife of the late Willie Carpenter, Mrs Carrie Fulghum, FSC Boardmember for Alabama, Ms Felecia Lucky, CEO of the Heron Foundation, Rev Christopher Spencer, CEO Black Belt Community Foundation and Alabama State Representative Mr Curtis Travis
Mrs Lena Watford Hill, Mrs Mary Dunn and Mrs Loydleetta Johnson Wabbington, in addition to the founders, were recognized for 50-year memberships in FOGCE Music for the occasion was provided by Mr Antonio Pearson Mrs Loretta Wilson s artistic decorating skills provided an amazing celebratory atmosphere at the event
Gr eene Couunty native r eceives Doctor of Education De g r ee
Precious A Morgan Hallman received her Doctor of Education degree in Rural Organizational Leadership on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL
Precious is a 1999 graduate of Eutaw High School She received her Bachelor of Education degree from Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, AL
She received her Master of Education degree from The University of West Alabama, Livingston, AL She later received the degree of Education Specialist from Union University in Jackson, TN
Precious is currently employed by Creative Minds
Chartered School in Washington, DC, where she serves as Assistant Principal
Precious is married to Shamichael Hallman, and they have two sons, Omari and Khalil Hallman
She is the daughter of William and Mildred J Morgan
Precious is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ®
Congratulations Dr Precious A Morgan Hallman!
Live For Something Live for something, have a purpose, And that purpose keep in view; Drifting like a helmless vessel, Thou canst ne’er to life be true Half the wrecks that strew life s ocean,
If some star had been their guide, Might have been riding safely But they drifted with the tide Live for something, and live earnest Though the work may humble be, By the world of men unnoticed, Known alone to God and thee
Every act has priceless value To the architect of fate; Tis the spirit of thy doing That alone will make it great
Live for somethingGod and angels Are thy watchers in the strife,
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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
And above the smoke and conflict Gleams the victor ’s crown of life Live for something; God has given Freely of his stores divine; Richest gift of earth and heaven, If thou willst, may be thine
A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship; and he who plants kindness gathers love ”
Happy Birthday to Carl Smith, Jr , Fredrica Banks Jimerson Tomika R Moore Christopher Long Alexis M Marcus, Darvon L Archibald, Linda Wal-
ton, Kalvin Jones, Secoyia Johnson, Gloria Morrow, Tre Robinson, Debra Lewis Jerrimie Deloach Jr Kenneth Davis Tanyia Watkins, Chaniya Hil, Lorenzo French, Ronald Hopson Sr Torrey Jimerson Ella M Rowser Luther White, Sr , Dezman Flannagan, Jacqueline Davis, Lena Smith, Deneatric Hunter Michaud D Levingston Natasha Walton, Phillip Wagner, Jr , Murphey Rice, Callie Mayes, Jackson Anderson, II Kaiden Branch Jordan E Brown Victoria Wright
Happy anniversary to Mr and Mrs Eddie Cole Sr
50th Black Belt Folk Roots Festival
Anniversary T-Shirts for sale $15
Sizes Available Now: L, XL, 2XL, 3XL Available at the Greene County Democrat’s Office 206 Prairie Ave , Eutaw, AL 35462 205-372-0525
Notice to Creditors of the Estate of Willie O Hill Jr , Letters of Adminstration of said deceased having been granted to Eloise Jeter on the 15th day of December, 2025, by the Honorable Rolonda M Wedgeworth judge of the Probate Court of Greene County, notice is hereby given that all person having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be bared Eloise Jeter
Personal Representative
Alexander F Braswell Lloyd & Dinning LLC P O Box 740 Demopolis, AL 35632
3tch 12/17 24 25
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
In accordance with Chapter 1 Title 39 Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Paulk Construction Inc Contractor has completed the contract for the Mod AL146-1, IX, at Eutaw, AL for the Housing Authority of the City of Eutaw Owner(s) 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 Mollie Rowe 301 Carver Cir Eutaw AL 35462
Paulk Construction, Inc 390 N Goldthwaite Street Montgomery AL 36104 4tcg 12,17,24,31, 1/7
Sincerely, James Bird, Manager Car Wash Storage 3tcg 12/17, 24, 31
$30 Alabama Residents
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Open December 12, 2025 205-372-9733 Hwy 43, Eutaw Phone: 496-6019 with fir ewor ks fr om Re g gie’s! Big Selection; Many Asst Packs, Bottle Rockets, Roman Candles ACCIDENTS & INJURIES AUTO & TRUCK ACCIDENTS, WRONGFUL DEATH, SLIP & FALL Office-205-933-7533 Cell – 205-901-6129
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“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
