GreeneTrack reopens with new owner, new name

One of Greene County’s largest employers is back open for business. Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson confirmed to WVUA 23 News Monday that GreeneTrack has re-opened as Greene County Entertainment.

The reorganized business no longer has bingo machines and will instead focus on dog and horse racing simulcast into the facility.

The Greene County Commission discussed GreeneTrack’s future in February when Luther Winn decided to close GreeneTrack. Following an executive session, the commission approved entering into a lease agreement with Greene County Entertainment, Inc. subject to the following provisions:

• The new lease must reference existing lease based on settlement of previous lawsuit
• The new lease does not change GreeneTrack’s prior settlement agreement
• If new lease isn’t executed, the current lease remains in effect

According to Johnson, GreeneTrack helped financially support local schools and charities.

With the new business being under new management, there’s concern that the charitable giving may stop.

In February, Johnson told WVUA 23 News that her city received $4,300 each month from GreeneTrack. The closure caused dozens to lose their jobs when the venue closed in February.

“It is going to affect the 75 citizens who lost their jobs,” Johnson said at the time. “With the economy the way it is, that is the problem that bothers me the most.”

Greene County Schools may feel the impact even more. Superintendent Corey Jones told WVUA 23 News in February that the county’s three schools received more than $13,000 each month from GreeneTrack.

Many workers who lost their jobs when GreeneTrack closed returned to work Monday for the grand opening.

“This will be great for our community as a whole because people are able to go back to jobs, Johnson said. “It’s my understanding, that the majority of the people that worked there have got their jobs back. People are back at work now. They’re open and doing racing of the horses and dogs.”