https://cherokeecounty-al.gov/
CENTRE-Elder Abuse Awareness Day took center stage during Monday’s Cherokee County Commission meeting as commissioners adopted a proclamation and heard from Cherokee County Department of Human Resources Director Stacye Greene.
https://dhr.alabama.gov/county-office-contact/
The commission formally recognized July 13 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Officials read the proclamation before commissioners approved it unanimously.
Greene thanked the commission for helping raise awareness about abuse, neglect and financial exploitation involving older adults.
She discussed rising concerns across Alabama and emphasized the importance of community involvement. Greene also highlighted the need for cooperation between law enforcement, DHR and other agencies responsible for protecting vulnerable adults.
Greene recognized the experience of Cherokee County DHR employees who manage adult protective service investigations. She also shared statewide elder abuse information and statistics during the presentation.
Audio from Greene’s remarks and the full meeting can be heard below:
The proclamation was one of several actions approved during the meeting. All action items received a motion and second before passing unanimously.
Commissioners also adopted a resolution electing Act 2026-608. The measure provides county funding for a one-time ERS lump-sum payment to eligible retirees or beneficiaries of retirees.
The commission nominated Ronnie Shaw to serve on the 2026-2027 ACCA Legislative Committee.
Chairman Burgess also announced an upcoming appointment to the Cherokee County Health Care Authority. The commission plans to make the appointment during its August 10 meeting.
The appointment will fill an unexpired term ending in December 2026. The Commission Office will accept resumes, letters and other submissions through the close of business on August 5.
Commissioners approved liability and property insurance coverage through the ACCA Liability Self Insurance Fund.
The approved premiums include $79,387.09 for property coverage and $37,479.85 for inland marine coverage. Auto physical damage coverage totals $84,743.51.
The package also includes $4,020.47 for drone property and $4,844.04 for crime coverage. The total approved amount is $210,474.96.
The commission also approved a software support agreement with Delta Computer Systems. The agreement costs $1,507 per month.
Commissioners declared a 2023 Dodge Ram from the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office as surplus property. The vehicle will be sold at the next available public auction.
Monday’s meeting opened with a tribute to Medal of Honor recipient Henry Eugene “Red” Erwin.
Chairman Burgess led the Pledge of Allegiance in Erwin’s honor. Commissioner Jones then delivered the invocation.
Erwin served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II and later reached the rank of master sergeant.
On April 12, 1945, Erwin was serving as a staff sergeant and radio operator aboard a B-29 during a mission over Koriyama, Japan.
A phosphorus smoke bomb malfunctioned and exploded inside the aircraft. The burning device struck Erwin in the face and filled the plane with smoke.
Despite severe burns and the loss of his sight, Erwin carried the burning bomb through the aircraft. He reached the cockpit and threw it through a window.
His actions allowed the pilot to regain control of the aircraft. Erwin’s Medal of Honor citation credits his heroism with saving the lives of his fellow crew members.
Commissioners Jones, Shaw and Teague attended the meeting with Chairman Burgess. Commissioner Nichols was absent.
The roll call established a quorum. No citizens or elected officials spoke during the public comment portions of the meeting.
Related Stories:
https://weisradio.com/2026/06/10/cherokee-county-commission-approves-landfill-monitoring-agreement/
https://weisradio.com/2026/05/26/cherokee-county-commission-meeting-32/
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