New chairman takes gavel; SWHS honored at Commission meeting

Marengo County commissioners started off the new year Wednesday by changing chairmen and recognizing Sweet Water High School’s state 1A championship football team.

Terry Hinton picked up the gavel, succeeding Jason Windham as chairman of the Commission.

Pat Thompson, coach of the SWHS championship team, received a resolution from the Commission, read by his uncle, Commissioner Michael Thompson.

The liquor license for Price Package Store/Sports Bar and Grill was renewed by the Commission after the owner, Patrick Price, and his attorney, Sean Fitz-Gerald, gave assurances that Price has implemented changes to the establishment. Price said he has revised the hours of operation, set new minimum age limits and made other alterations to prevent further problems at the business. A fatal shooting occurred there in July of 2021.

Representatives from the Moore-Wright Group and from the Black Belt Community Foundation asked for Commission support in constructing storm shelters in Marengo County.

Felicia Lucky, president of BBCF; the Rev. Jessie Moore, chair of the Moore-Wright Group, and the Rev. Chris Spencer, BBCF Community Engagement Officer, reviewed how the Foundation has supported non-profit charitable agencies in Marengo County and its plans to help build shelters for rural communities throughout the Black Belt.

Moore said his groups has raised about $30,000 from donations primarily in Demopolis, Linden and Gallion toward helping to fund shelters through grant applications. He asked commissioners for contacts in other parts of Marengo County that have not contributed to the fund.

Spencer requested the Commission “work with us” and consider adding the BBCF to its budget.

The Commission approved a resolution amending the CDBG-CV Grant to Whitfield Regional Hospital for aiding in the response to COVID. The amendment moved the $145,000 originally intended to pave the parking lot to the purchase of sanitizing and cleaning equipment for medical devices.

Probate Judge Laurie Hall updated the Commission on the changes in voting locations before the primary. Commissioners approved the site change in Faunsdale. Hall also received approval to continue her office’s reimbursement for mailing tags at $1 each plus the cost of mailing.

In other action, the Commission approved:

• The appointments of Judy Compton and Betty Gardner to the Marengo County Public Library Board.
• The appointment of Josephine Blackwell Hall to the MCEDA Board.
• The appointment of Charlotte Henson to the Department of Human Resources Board.
• A $26,010 grant to the County Library for purchase of a computer. The funds will be reimbursed to the county through a grant received by the library.

Hiring a new county Solid Waste Officer was tabled until the February meeting.

County Engineer Billy Joe Webb said he is waiting for rights-of-way documentation so that work can begin on road repairs in District 3, 4 and 5.