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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

The Lowndes Signal discovered that Southern Star in White Hall was closed Friday night when the electronic bingo operation and its parking lot was sighted with lights out.

Also, with no other explanation, signs posted on the doors read, “Sorry We’re Closed” and, “Closed Only non-public permitted inside.”

This development was observed following an email and letter dated Sept. 20 and announced in a press release on Sept. 22 from the office of Governor Robert Bentley from Bentley and Attorney General Luther Strange to Lowndes County District Attorney Charlotte Tesmer and Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams, which says electronic bingo in Lowndes County is illegal.

The email/letter reads in part: “Dear District Attorney Tesmer and Sheriff Williams: “It is widely known that White Hall and Southern Star have reopened and continue as of today’s date to operate electronic bingo machines. This is a violation of Alabama law.”

White Hall remained open Friday night.