The Tribune will post updates here regarding COVID-19 and our community. To submit an item, please email wendy@cullmantribune.com.
See more at
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
www.alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/2019-coronavirus.html
www.cullmantribune.com/tag/coronavirus/
Regions Bank announces special financial assistance amid coronavirus concerns
COVID-19: Ivey authorizes use of Alabama National Guard on as-needed basis
CPD chief: We will enforce social distancing measures
COVID-19: Ivey, ADPH issue updated statewide health order
Reported Friday, March 20
#BREAKINGNEWS: COVID-19 confirmed in Cullman County
Cullman Regional: 1st local COVID-19 patient a healthcare provider
From the Pilot Club of Cullman:
Pilot Club Annual Fashion Show/Luncheon scheduled for April 22, 2020 has been postponed. WE WILL RESCHEDULE when an all clear is given from CDC, governor, and Cullman Mayor Jacobs. Plans continue to be made, tickets are being sold by Pilot Club members.
COVID-19 drive-thru testing available at Cullman Ag Center
Reported Thursday, March 19
CULLMAN PARKS, RECREATION, & SPORTS TOURISM PLAYGROUND CLOSURES
CULLMAN, ALABAMA – Due to the recent order of the State Health Officer
suspending public gatherings of more than 25 people to reduce the risk of infection
by COVID-19, Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism will be closing all
playgrounds, pickleball courts, and basketball courts.
All walking trails and green spaces will remain open at this time. Please help us keep our community safe by practicing social distancing and following all CDC guidelines.
For more information, contact Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism at (256) 734-9157 or email info@cullmanrecreation.org.
From Wallace State Community College:
Wallace State Community College regrets to announce that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our on-campus Commencement ceremony will not be held as scheduled in May. The College is considering alternative ways to honor the outstanding achievements of our graduates, who will receive their diplomas by mail following the end of the semester. We hope to reschedule a ceremony later this fall so that we can celebrate with you in person.
Please stay tuned for additional guidance during the evolving COVID-19 crisis. For updates and resources, please visit: https://www.wallacestate.edu/coronavirus
Senior Citizen Medication Delivery
The Cullman County Commission on Aging will now deliver medications to senior citizens of Cullman County free of charge. There is no obligation and the only requirements are to be 60 or older.
Certain medications will be unavailable for pick-up and payment arrangements must be made with your pharmacy. It is encouraged that you contact your pharmacy first. We look forward to continuing to serve Cullman County and its senior citizens any way possible. For more information, contact the Commission on Aging at 256-734-1241.
COVID-19: Ivey, ADPH issue new statewide public health order, effective immediately
Reported Wednesday, March 18
Wal-Mart stores will now close at 8:30 p.m.
CCBOE offers tips on managing emotional health during COVID-19 outbreak
American Cancer Society puts temporary hold on local Relay For Life event
Primary Runoff election moved to July 14
Reported Tuesday, March 17
Walmart pickup & delivery service in response to COVID-19
A local group met Tuesday afternoon to discuss the Cullman community response to the COVID-19.
Representatives of the hospital, 911, emergency management, emergency medical services, law enforcement, public health, nursing homes, fire departments, legislative delegation, local government leaders, education and others participated in the conference call to discuss the next steps to protect the public, safeguard service providers and discuss how to better communicate with everyone.
108 parole hearings canceled for week of March 30, 2020
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles has canceled 108 parole hearings that had been scheduled for the week of March 30, 2020 because of the spread of the coronavirus. The hearings will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
Monk’s Bread available at the Ave Maria Grotto gift shop
“We have lots of bread here at the Grotto gift shop. If you are having trouble finding some, come to the Grotto. We are open every day 9-5pm. Please share to spread the word.”
www.avemariagrotto.com
Conservation Department updates operations during COVID-19 pandemic
Most outdoor facilities remain open for recreation
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is making the following temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of our employees and the general public. The changes are in effect until April 6, 2020.
- Alabama State Parks and associated facilities remain open with the exception of cave tours at Rickwood and Cathedral Caverns state parks. Some dining operations will be modified to limit close contact of guests. Park visitors are encouraged to follow all current hand washing and social distancing guidelines. For updates, please follow Alabama State Parks on social media. A social media directory is available at www.alapark.com/social-media-directory.
- State Public Fishing Lakes remain open.
- ADCNR shooting and archery ranges remain open.
- ADCNR Wildlife Management Areas and Special Opportunity Areas remain open.
- ADCNR’s state and district offices are closed to the public with the exception of the Marine Resources Division offices in Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island. Those offices will be open for commercial license sales only on Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- ADCNR Law Enforcement Offices are closed to the public, but remain staffed to answer questions by phone. Contact information is available at www.outdooralabama.com. To report hunting or fishing violations, please call (800) 272-GAME.
- Conservation Enforcement Officers will continue to patrol state land and waterways and render aid to the public.
- Forever Wild tracts remain open for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, paddling, and hunting — as permitted.
- 5 Rivers Delta Resources Center facilities are closed, but the grounds remain open to the public during regular business hours for trail use and kayak launching.
- Hunting and fishing licenses are still available online at www.outdooralabama.com, through the Outdoor AL mobile app, or at various license agents located throughout the state.
Due to the evolving nature of the pandemic, ADCNR recommends calling individual state parks and other facilities if you have questions about reservations or operational hours. Contact information can be found at www.outdooralabama.com.
ADCNR apologizes for any inconvenience during this time and we thank you for your cooperation.
AMC Theatres closed for 6-12 weeks
All 630 AMC locations in the country will close for at least six to 12 weeks, in compliance with local, state and federal directives, and as a precaution to help ensure the health and safety of our guests and theatre staff. AMC Stubs A-List memberships will be paused automatically during the time AMC Theatres are closed. For home entertainment, please consider #AMCTheatresOnDemand, featuring over 3,500 movie titles. We will continue to monitor this situation very closely and look forward to the day we can again delight moviegoers nationwide by reopening AMC movie theatres.
ALDOT announces operational plans in response to outbreak
The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on Tuesday announced how it will conduct operations during the national effort to prevent the spread of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), saying the safety and protection of motorists using ALDOT facilities and the transportation network is a top priority.
Rest areas
Restrooms will remain open at ALDOT rest areas across the state. A deep cleaning will be performed on the restrooms each week. Throughout each day, staff will clean and sanitize the areas used most frequently by travelers, including door handles, counters, faucets and toilets. Rest areas will be staffed to provide cleaning and with a point of contact for emergencies only.
Highway projects
Active construction and road maintenance projects and supporting ALDOT functions will continue, including scheduled bid openings for new projects. Work to repair slides and other roadway failures resulting from the recent record rainfall will continue.
General operations
ALDOT personnel will continue to monitor and respond to traffic incidents and roadway issues. ALDOT traffic operations and Alabama Service & Assistance Patrol (ASAP) responders will continue serving in areas where they currently operate.
Public involvement meetings
All ALDOT public involvement meetings are postponed until further notice.
Permit operations
Local ALDOT offices will continue to receive and process permits for work on ALDOT right of way. The ALDOT Oversize/Overweight Permit Office will continue to accept and process applications for oversize/overweight vehicles on Alabama highways.
All Alabama Career Center locations closed to the public
Services still available by phone or email
Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Tuesday that beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all of Alabama’s 51 Career Centers will close to the public in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. This closure will be in effect until further notice.
Alabamians in need of Career Center services will still be able to receive them via telephone calls with their local staff, or through email correspondence.
Additionally, job search services and many other resources are available for self-service at www.joblink.alabama.gov, Alabama’s free online jobs database.
“We are taking this action in order to protect our employees and limit exposure to our customers,” said Washington. “We will continue to provide services to our jobseekers and employers in the best way we can.”
Please note that Career Centers are NOT “unemployment offices.” There are no “unemployment offices” in Alabama. The only ways to file an unemployment compensation claim are by calling 1-866-234-5382 or by visiting www.labor.alabama.gov. Online filing is strongly encouraged.
A listing of all Career Centers and their contact information is available at www.labor.alabama.gov or at www.joblink.alabama.gov/ada/r/contact.
The ADOL Central Office in Montgomery will also be closed to the public until further notice.
Wallace State Alumni changes dates of upcoming trips
The dates for two upcoming trips planned by the Wallace State Alumni Association have been adjusted due to the coronavirus pandemic. The four-night Southern Charm Tour to Charleston, South Carolina and Savannah, Georgia, planned for March 23-27 has been postponed until June 22-26. That required a change in date for the June 25 trip to see a production of “The Sound of Music” at Chaffin’s Barn Theatre in Nashville.
The rescheduling has resulted in several spots opening on the Southern Charm Tour, said LaDonna Allen, WSCC Alumni Coordinator. It’s not too late for those who want to go to sign up. The trip includes tours of the Middleton Place Plantation, Drayton Hall, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Davenport Museum, as well as visits to the Savannah and Charleston Markets, the Angel Oak, Tybee Island, Byrd Cookie Company and Leopold’s Ice Cream, a Historic Haunts Trolley Tour, and meals at Paula Deen’s The Lady and Sons Restaurant and Creek House Seafood and Grill.
The cost per person ranges from $980 to $1,588 depending on occupancy and membership status. The cost includes motor coach transportation, four nights lodging, baggage handling, nine meals, all activities listed on the itinerary, taxes and most gratuities. A new deadline of May 15 has been set to complete registration for the trip.
For more information or to register, visit www.wsccalumni.org/charm20.
The trip to see a production of “The Sound of Music” at Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre in Nashville will be July 16 and includes a matinee performance of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, luncheon and motorcoach transportation. The bus will leave from Wallace State at 8:30 a.m. and is scheduled to return at 6 p.m. The cost is $75 per person and includes transportation, luncheon and the show.
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Visit www.wsccalumni.org/Music20 or contact Allen at 256-352-8071 or ladonna.allen@wallacestate.edu for more information.
Other travel opportunities offered this year and scheduled for 2021 by the Alumni Association include:
- Autumn in Branson, MO, Sept. 28-Oct. 2, www.wsccalumni.org/Branson20
- Springtime in New Orleans, March 1-4, 2021, information coming soon
- Majestic Canadian Rockies, July 24-30, 2021, information coming soon
Alumni Association members receive a $100 discount on extended trips. Membership is open to all and not restricted to former Wallace State students. Visit www.wsccalumni.org for more information.
Alabama Extension county, state offices temporarily closed
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has temporarily closed its county and state offices in response to coronavirus control protocols from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. During this time, Extension follows guidance from Alabama A&M and Auburn universities, the two parent universities of the agency.
To meet the needs of Alabama residents while also expressing concern for public safety, Alabama Extension offices will close from March 17 to April 10. However, Extension professionals will continue to be accessible to and working for the public.
Allen Malone, Extension 1890 director at Alabama A&M University, said Extension meetings will only be held by digital delivery methods.
The Link of Cullman County offering drive-thru food distribution
The Link’s next drive-thru food distribution will take place Thursday, March 19 from 8:30-11:30 a.m., then next Tuesday, March 24 from 1:30-4:30 p.m. A photo ID is required. Dinners for the Link’s regular fourth Thursday community meal next week will be packed to go; meals will still be served, but not for onsite dining.
For more information, visit www.linkingcullman.org, or call 256-775-0028.
Belk Stores closed through March 30
Learn More: https://app.belk.com/RiwySlfcW4
COVID-19: Courthouse closed; other Cullman County closures, changes
ATTN SENIOR CITIZENS (55 +)
The Link of Cullman County, in conjunction with Jack’s Family Restaurants (157 Hospital, Dodge City, Heritage and Hanceville locations Ms. Tammy Parker) will be providing 100 hot box lunches to go on FRIDAY MARCH 20th.
Pick up at The Link
708 Ninth St. SE
10:30 a.m.-noon
Come to the EAST (big church parking lot) parking lot to receive a hot lunch free of charge!!
Area municipalities making adjustments to prevent spread of virus
See more at
www.cullmantribune.com/2020/03/17/area-municipalities-making-adjustments-to-prevent-spread-of-virus/
From the Cullman VFW:
NO LUNCH will be served today at the VFW. We have too many elderly Veterans and others with compromised immune systems. We’re very sorry for the inconvienence. More information to come. Call 256-347-0881 or 256-339-7436. Call VFW 256-739-6611 for Veterans and families who may need help. The Post is closed but calls are forwarded to Commander’s home. BE SAFE AND GOD’S BLESSINGS ON OUR COUNTRY.
AMC Theatres closed due to COVID-19 concerns. Multiple sources say the chain will be closed from 6-12 weeks.
Reported Monday, March 16
Community Census Days Postponed
All Community Census Days have been postponed for 30 days. As soon as a new schedule is approved, we will share it.
WALLACE STATE TRANSITIONS TO REMOTE DELIVERY OF INSTRUCTION AND SERVICES
In accordance with Governor Kay Ivey’s directive and guidance by the Alabama Community College System, Wallace State is discontinuing on-campus instruction as well as non-essential on-campus services, and transitioning to remote delivery of services until April 6, 2020, to protect the health, safety and well-being of our students, employees and the communities we serve.
For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu/coronavirus.
CCSO implements safety restrictions
As concerns over the spread of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, are increasing, Sheriff Matt Gentry has implemented several safety restrictions at the Cullman County Detention Center, as well as the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office.
No non-essential personnel can enter the Detention Center. This includes visitors, volunteers and any volunteer program officials. Exceptions will be made for legal visits by attorneys, which will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
- The CCSO’s main lobby will remains open for the time being. If a person needs to renew a pistol permit, he or she can find the form at www.cullmansheriff.org/pistol-permits.php, and fill it out and mail it in. Permits will be mailed.
- The Detention Center will not be accepting any property for inmates from friends and family.
- Nurses at the Detention Center will be conducting temperature checks on all essential personnel before they enter the facility.
- These restrictions will be in place until April 30 and will be reevaluated at that time.
COVID-19: Good Samaritan Health Clinic still open
The Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Cullman is closely monitoring updates from local and national public health authorities concerning the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). We are also actively engaging with our state partners and local community in order to share information and to coordinate efforts wherever possible, should the need arise.
Practical information on how to best protect yourself is available from the CDC at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. Additionally, if you have symptoms (trouble breathing, cough/sore throat, fever) please call the Cullman Regional COVID-19 Information Line at 256-735-5530 to avoid an unnecessary trip to the hospital.
At this time, Good Samaritan Health Clinic has not received any information that suggests our patients, staff or volunteers are at an increased risk for contracting COVID-19. Our Medical Director and Board of Directors believe our services are essential during this time of uncertainty and have made the decision to continue to offer the clinic’s valuable services to the uninsured residents of Cullman County. Realizing that some of our patients may be vulnerable to the virus, we are implementing additional precautions to provide the best possible care to our patients while ensuring their safety and that of the staff and volunteers.
Please continue to monitor the Good Samaritan Health Clinic website (goodsamaritancullman.com) and our Facebook page (GoodSamaritanCullman) for updates. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call the clinic at 256-775-1389.
ALEA Modifies Driver License Division Operations in Response to COVID-19
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is modifying its Driver License Division’s statewide operations in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Effective immediately, Driver License Division:
- Has suspended road testing (including CDL)
- Discourages anyone with a weakened or compromised immune system from visiting any Driver License locations
- Reminds everyone all Alabama driver licenses and non-driver IDs have a 60-day grace period following expiration date (Code of Alabama, Title 32-6-1). Customers may wait to renew
- Encourages online services for anyone who must renew or obtain a duplicate driver license/STAR ID or non-driver ID at alabamainteractive.org/dl_renewal/welcome.action. To obtain a first issuance of a STAR ID, customers must visit an ALEA Driver License office
- Encourages everyone to visit alea.gov or to contact their local Driver License office prior to a visit to ensure the location is open. (Information may change daily, so check often). Office phone numbers are at www.alea.gov
- Has begun curbside check-in and screening at ALEA’s Driver License offices. Everyone is asked to follow instructions posted outside each location and wait at their vehicles to reduce potential exposure
- Reminds anyone in need of driver license reinstatement services to conduct this business by phone or mail.
Veterans Affairs offices closed
In accordance with both the State and National Declaration of Emergencies regarding the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus), all offices of the State of Alabama Department of Veterans (ADVA) will be closed to the public from March 16, 2020 until April 6, 2020. ADVA staff will be available to assist you by telephone or email during this time.
Should you need assistance, you may contact your Cullman and Blount County Veteran Service Officer, Candace Reppond, by accessing the link on the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs website, “Find Your Veterans Service Office.” You can also call the office at 256-775-4662.
Cullman Parks Recreation, & Sports Tourism’s COVID-19 Response
In an effort to protect the health and safety of our community and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism will close the following facilities effective Monday, March 16, 2020 at 5 p.m. until April 6, 2020:
- Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center
- Cullman Gymnastics and Cheer Academy
- Donald E. Green Active Adult Center (closed effective immediately)
- All organized activities at Heritage Park (Baseball, Softball, Soccer, etc.)
- Indoor Archery Range
- Central Office at City Hall
- Festhalle Farmers Market
- Cross Creek Golf Course will remain open for individual play
- All walking trails will remain open (Duck River, Hurricane Creek Park, etc.)
We will be using this time do deep clean and sanitize our facilities. Offices will remain open and be available to receive phone calls and emails. This situation is constantly evolving; therefore, our response will continuously evolve as well. Additional information will be available on our website and social media.
Senior Centers closed
Given the vulnerability of the demographic in which we serve, the Cullman County Commission on Aging will be closing all full-time senior centers in the county effective immediately for the next 30 days. During this time, making sure our homebound continue to receive meals is our top priority. Additionally, meals will be available to current congregate participants for pick-up only. Participants that rely on C.A.R.T.S. will be added to a dedicated home delivery route.
The Cullman County Commission on Aging’s front office will remain open but will serve via telephone or email only. If you have documentation that needs to be submitted, we ask that you call first to receive drop-off instructions. We are taking every precaution necessary during this pandemic to limit exposure to our beloved seniors. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the C.O.A. at 256-734-1241 or by visiting www.cullmancoa.com.
Cullman County Animal Shelter and Animal Control
Due to the current State of Emergency issued by Governor Kay Ivey and Commission Chair Kenneth Walker the Cullman County Animal Shelter and Control Department will be closed to the public and will not be accepting any animals. During this time, we will be conducting our yearly cleaning and maintenance of the department. If you have an Animal Control issue please contact by phone 256-734-5548 and a dispatcher will advise you of our procedures during this State of Emergency. You can also visit our website www.cullmananimalcontrol.us.
Cullman Caring for Kids
Due to the Corona Virus, and to protect our employees, and clients, we have had to change the way food will be distributed. We ask that you DO NOT ENTER the food bank. We have a sign-up sheet in front of the door, sign your name, and get one bag from each buggy per household please. This will be per family per month. This is so we can still serve those who need food. Thank you for understanding. As of right now we will continue to operate under normal business hours.
United Way of Cullman County
The health of our community is a priority for United Way; therefore, we will cancel all meetings in our facility and all events until further notice. We will continue to work to support the community. As we face the weeks ahead, healthy volunteers will be in need as well as resources to assist families in unstable financial situations. Please visit our web site to register to volunteer or donate. uwaycc.org
Be generous with your neighbors and if you need assistance, call 2-1-1 or our offices at 256-739-2948. There is no time like now to live UNITED. Reach out to your neighbors, find out how you can help them, especially those who may not have a support system.
For the very latest, visit www.CullmanTribune.com.
Cullman Regional implements more visitation restrictions
Cullman Regional on Monday announced additional visitation restrictions for hospital patients, effective immediately.
To further protect the health of our patients, workforce and the community and prevent the potential spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), Cullman Regional is modifying its visitor policy across all Cullman Regional facilities including the hospital, urgent care centers, medical group office and the Surgery Center of Cullman, effective 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 until further notice.
Additional visitation restrictions include:
- All visitors must sign in at the main lobby desk inside of the main hospital entrance.
- All access into the hospital from Professional Office Buildings 1 & 2 will be badge access ONLY beginning at 6 a.m. March 17.
- No visits for patients with suspected or positive COVID-19 diagnosis
- Visitation hours will remain as 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
Previous visitation restrictions remain:
- No visitors under the age of 16, even when an adult is with them, with exceptions for extraordinary circumstances which will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis
- No more than two visitors at a time per room
- Visitors will be required to sanitize hands when entering the hospital and when entering and exiting any patient rooms
- Anyone who has a fever, cough, body aches or sore throat should stay away from the facility unless they are seeking treatment.
We understand that many are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 and what it means if you were to get it. Most people who get the virus do not require hospitalization and can recover at home with symptomatic treatment. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath. If you feel sick but can manage at home, stay home to help prevent the spreading of germs to others.
If your symptoms become unmanageable, call ahead. You can contact your primary care provider, Cullman Regional Urgent Care or Emergency Department. If you are concerned and have questions about COVID-19 and what you should do, you can call Cullman Regional’s COVID-19 information Line at 256-735-5530.
COVID-19: City of Cullman limiting social interaction; municipal court dates rescheduled
From the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs:
In accordance with both the State and National Declaration of Emergencies regarding the spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), all offices of the State of Alabama Department of Veterans (ADVA) will be closed to the public from March 16, 2020 until April 6, 2020. ADVA staff will be available to assist you by telephone or email during this time.
Should you need assistance, you may contact your Cullman and Blount County Veteran Service Officer, Candace Reppond, by accessing the link on the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs website, “Find Your Veterans Service Office.” You can also call the office at 256-775-4662.
From the Cullman County Commission on Aging:
From the Cullman County Animal Shelter and Cullman County Animal Control:
Due to the current State of Emergency issued by Governor Kay Ivey and Commission Chair Keith Walker the Cullman County Animal Shelter and Control Department will be closed to the public and will not be accepting any animals. During this time we will be conducting our yearly cleaning and maintenance of the department. If you have an Animal Control issue please contact by phone 256-734-5548 and a dispatcher will advise you of our procedures during this State of Emergency. You can also visit our website www.cullmananimalcontrol.us
Update from Cullman Caring for Kids:
Due to the Coronavirus, and to protect our employees, and clients, we have had to change the way food will be distributed. We ask that you DO NOT ENTER the food bank. We have a sign up sheet in front of the door, sign your name, and get one bag from each buggy per household please. This will be per family per month. This is so we can still serve those who need food. Thank you for understanding. As of right now we will continue to operate under normal business hours.
From The City of Good Hope:
ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING YOUTH LEAGUE SPORTS
Due to the National and State of Emergency over the Covid-19 Virus, the City of Good Hope has POSTPONED the Youth League Baseball/Softball. We will be following the lead of the Cullman County Board of Education scheduling as to when practices and league play will start back. As of today, March 16, 2020, all City of Good Hope Facilities are closed, no practicing allowed, includes all events, leagues and travel ball. Our goal is for the season to resume and be extended as follows: resume practice on April 6th and the first games to be played on April 13th. If you know that you do not want your child to participate at this point, we will gladly refund you in full. If you would still like to have your uniform, we can deduct the price of the shirt and/or hat from the registration fee. We appreciate your patience during the unique emergency. We are sorry for any inconvenience/hardship this has caused, we are committed to the health and safety of our citizens, first and foremost.
City Hall doors are locked but we are in the office Monday – Friday, do not come to city hall, we will mail your refund. If you have any questions please call 256-739-3757 or you are welcome to message through our Facebook page: The City of Good Hope or Good Hope Park & Recreation.
Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Council Member Place 5 Taft Dillashaw, Park Director Danny Buchanan
From the Cullman County Commission:
From the United Way of Cullman County:
The health of our community is a priority for United Way, therefore we will cancel all meetings in our facility and all events until further notice. We will continue to work to support the community. As we face the weeks ahead, healthy volunteers will be in need as well as resources to assist families in unstable financial situations. Please visit our web site to register to volunteer or donate. uwaycc.org
Be generous with your neighbors and if you need assistance, call 2-1-1 or our offices at 256-739-2948. There is no time like now to live UNITED. Reach out to your neighbors, find out how you can help them, especially those who may not have a support system.
From Cullman Caring for Kids:
Cullman Caring for Kids/United Way Food Bank will be open our normal hours. We are here to help. God is still in charge 🙏🙏🙏
Reported Sunday, March 15
Starbucks will temporarily change to a “to go” model in U.S. and Canada stores
In a letter to all U.S. partners today, Starbucks shared changes the company is implementing to encourage social distancing, in an effort to help contain the COVID-19 virus.
“As we all know, the situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic and we will continue to review the facts and science and make the proactive decisions necessary to protect our partners, customers and communities,” wrote Rossann Williams, executive vice president and president, U.S. company-operated business and Canada.
Starting today, Starbucks will be moving to a “to go” model in all company-owned stores in the U.S. and Canada for at least two weeks.
Here’s what you can expect:
- We are pausing the use of all seating, including both the café and patio areas
- Customers can still walk up and order at the counter, through the “order ahead” feature in the Starbucks app, via the drive thru and use delivery
- We will have a modified condiment bar in all stores
- You may see modified “order ahead” handoff areas on a store-by-store basis
- Temporary closures for company-owned stores in high-social gathering locations, such as malls and university campuses
- Temporary store closures or reduced operating hours in communities with high clusters of COVID – 19 cases
Williams continues, “Every community’s needs are incredibly different. We want to make sure we play a constructive role by taking responsible actions, in partnership with the CDC and local public health authorities, so we can continue to do what’s right for our partners and customers.”
From the Cullman Courts:
Cullman Circuit and District Court judges will begin entering orders tomorrow, March 16, 2020, formally continuing or postponing those cases subject to the 30 day suspension mandated by the Alabama Supreme Court. The Circuit Court Clerk will then begin mailing notices of the postponement to attorneys of record and to the parties. However, it will take a few days for these notices to be received in the mail. Therefore, if you have a case set for trial the first part of this coming week and are unsure whether your case has been postponed, you should first attempt to contact your attorney (if you are represented by counsel). If you do not have an attorney you may contact the Circuit Clerk’s Office regarding the status of your case. Also, if you have been subpoenaed by a party to appear as a witness in a case, please contact the attorney listed on the subpoena you received to see if the case has been continued.”
Check back with The Tribune for updates regarding court dockets that have been postponed, and you may also check http://www.cullmancourts.org/news.html.
From Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown:
The Probate Court, as well as other Courts, are suspended from in-person Court Proceedings as indicated in the AL Supreme Court Administrative Order.
There are exceptions: Proceedings related to Emergency Mental Health Orders.
As of today the Mental Health/Commitment Probate Court Case scheduled for MARCH 16, 2020, MONDAY, will remain “SCHEDULED AS IS” unless ANY PARTY INVOLVED WITH THE COURT CASE IS SICK then the case will be
re-scheduled.
Again, Please immediately notify the Probate Court about sickness for ANY PARTY.
The health and safety of all Probate Office Employees and the Courthouse Employees as well the People in our County is our main concern.
For Probate Office General Questions please call:
256-775-4802 or 256-775-4803
For Probate Court Commitment Questions please call: 256-775-4801
For Probate Court Questions please call: 256-775-4805 or 256-775-4815
We are working to devise a plan for the Probate Office & Probate Court to limit all in-person contact but continue the Probate Office Services to the best of our ability. We are working to ensure the safety of employees and the people we serve. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this very critical time.
Please do not go to the Courthouse to conduct any business in any OFFICE &/or DEPARTMENT if YOU &/or ANY FAMILY MEMBER IS SICK.
From the City of Cullman: Beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice, anyone needing to conduct business with the city clerk’s office will be directed across the hall to the municipal court office, where a city clerk employee will be posted. This is to allow business to be conducted through a glass transaction window.
Both Cullman City Schools and Cullman County Schools have announced schools will be closed beginning Tuesday, March 17.
Cullman Electric Cooperative lobbies will be closed beginning Monday, March 16.
“In an abundance of caution, Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism will be closing the Donald E. Green Active Adult Center effective immediately through the end of business Friday, March 20th, 2020. During this time, the facility will be closed to the public, and all planned activities will be suspended.
City leadership and the Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism Board will continue to monitor the situation and re-evaluate towards the end of the week.
Please visit www.cullmanrecreation.org or check the Active Adult Center Facebook page for up to date information on this evolving situation.”
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