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Yearly Archives: 2026
Obituary: William “Bill” Hope Carroll
Funeral Service for William "Bill" Hope Carroll, age 90 of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Cullman Heritage...
Arrests and incidents reported August 24, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 24, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Obituary: Wilna Leanese Smith
Wilna Leanese Smith, of Cullman, Alabama, entered the presence of our Lord on August 21, 2026, at the age of 83.
Ms. Smith was born...
Obituary: Woodrow Wilson Miller
Woodrow Wilson Miller, known to most as Woody, passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 77. Mr. Miller was born in...
Local Business Spotlight: Sister-in-Law Produce
Sister-in-Law Produce is a farmstand owned and operated by Lisa Anderson and her sister-in-law Cindy Brown. The duo offer standard produce such as tomatoes, peppers, squash, onions, potatoes, okra,...
Obituary: Peter Marshall Honeycutt
Peter Marshall Honeycutt, age 69 of Cullman, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at His Decedent's Residence. He was born Thursday, July 4,...
Obituary: Mattie Jewel Sams
Funeral Service for Mattie Jewel Sams, age 84 of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Cullman Heritage Funeral...
A Few Strong to Severe Storms Possible This Week
CLANTON – Monday, 5:00 am, August 24, 2026
A Mesoscale Convective System (MCS) or cluster of storms is likely to form this morning in northern...
Roy Drinkard, Cullman icon and nation’s oldest living Marine, passes away at 106
CULLMAN, Ala. - Roy Henry Drinkard, the World War II veteran, businessman, developer and civic leader whose influence helped shape modern Cullman, passed away...
City Board of Education approves contract with North Alabama Agriplex, sets budget hearings
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Board of Education at its meeting on Aug. 18 approved a contract with the North Alabama Agriplex through 2028.
Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff explained, “The...
Alabama unemployment rate ticks up to 3.4%; Cullman County rate is 3.3%
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed on Aug. 21 announced that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted July unemployment rate is 3.4%, up from June 2026’s...
Cullman County Youth Football Week One Score Recap
CULLMAN, Ala. - The 2026 Cullman County Youth Football season kicked off on Saturday with a dozen local games. The Cullman Bearcats hosted the Hanceville...
Rainer: New My Outdoor Alabama license system goes live Aug. 24
When hunting and fishing licenses for the 2026-2027 seasons become available Monday, buyers will be able to purchase their licenses through a new, updated license system.
The...
COLUMN: A little 4-day getaway
What a year of travel…Spain and Mexico all in the same year. So far in 2026, I’ve looked across the Alboran of the Mediterranean...
Files from Yesteryear: Aug. 22, 1912
From the files of Aug. 22, 1912
Locals and Personals
Mr. W. O. Winton of Huntsville spent last week in Cullman.
W. T. Thomas, Hanceville R. 1,...
Suds ’n Scissors expands with new grooming, boarding facility
CULLMAN, Ala. - Suds ’n Scissors opened the doors to its new building this past week, marking the latest chapter for the local grooming...
City records response confirms investigation into CPD time theft allegations, reveals Ethics Commission communication
CULLMAN, Ala. – A City of Cullman response to a public records request has confirmed that former City Attorney Roy Williams initiated an investigation...
Willingham, Pitts to visit senior centers across Cullman County ahead of Homestead Exemption vote
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Revenue Commissioner Barry Willingham and Revenue Commissioner-elect Mike Pitts will spend the coming weeks visiting senior centers across the county...
City of Cullman Zoning Board meeting notes: Aug. 18
CULLMAN, Ala. – The City of Cullman Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals met on Aug. 18, to address one variance request.
The request pertained to the minimum lot area for...
30th annual Sweet Tater Festival set for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 6-7, at Smith Lake Park
CULLMAN, Ala. - One of Cullman County’s longest-running Labor Day traditions will celebrate a milestone when the 30th annual Sweet Tater Festival returns to Smith...
Cullman Oktoberfest searching for inaugural Kinderbürgermeister
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Oktoberfest is adding a new face to one of its most recognizable traditions this year, and organizers are looking for...
Op-Ed: Moths and a healthy ecosystem
Moths are unsung heroes of the ecosystem, they pollinate plants, feed wildlife, recycle nutrients and serve as health indicators.
They are important pollinators for nighttime flowers and other vegetation like primrose and moonflowers. Even day-flying moths help pollinate plants much in the same way as hummingbirds. Gardenia flowers, Yucca plants and mountain mint are just a small few of the plants that get pollinated by moths.
Night owls, night hawks and bats are a few that rely on moths as feed while robins, bluebirds and swallows rely on moth larvae and also woodpeckers, who are very effective at maintaining moth population. Even small mammals, reptiles and amphibians eat moths.
Most moth larvae are voracious eaters, consuming large amounts of plant material such as leaves, stems, flowers and roots. It also helps break down plant matter, making nutrients more available to the soil. When they die, their bodies decompose, returning nutrients to the soil. Some adult moths also feed on animal waste or other organic matter, further contributing to the cycle.
Moths are sensitive to environmental changes, making them bioindicators of ecosystem health....
PREP FOOTBALL: Cullman falls to Boaz, 21-14, after late score
BOAZ, Ala. - On Friday night, Coach Trent Walker loaded up his Cullman Bearcats and made a quick trip next door to take on the...
PREP FOOTBALL: Fairview’s 20-point fourth quarter stuns West Point; Aggies win Brandin’ Iron Bowl,...
WEST POINT, Ala. - Opening the 2026 season with a bang, the Fairview Aggies, under first-year head coach Brian Simmons, headed into West Point...
PREP FOOTBALL: Roberts and Addison cruise to a 48-0 win over Winston County
DOUBLE SPRINGS, Ala. - The 1A 3rd-ranked Addison Bulldogs traveled the 17 miles east and across the lake to take on their arch rival...
PREP FOOTBALL: Good Hope falls to Plainview, 31-24, in season-opener
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - The 2026 football season is underway, and the Good Hope Raiders kicked off their season at home against the Plainview...
PREP FOOTBALL: Strong all-around game gives Vinemont a 48-0 season-opening win over Falkville
VINEMONT, Ala. - The Vinemont Eagles hosted the Falkville Blue Devils to kick off the season. The Eagles came out firing on all...
Obituary: Eleanor Fae Harris
Eleanor Fae Harris, 93, of Cullman, Alabama, formerly of Pell City, Alabama, was born January 12, 1933, in Pell City, Alabama (Mill Village), and...
Obituary: Emma Jean Tuggle
Emma Jean Tuggle was born June 1, 1941, to Willie Casper Laseter and Mable Parrish Laseter. She married Jerry Wayne Tuggle on August 19,...
Obituary: Jolene McBrayer Luna
Jolene McBrayer Luna, 67, passed away on August 18, 2026. Born on August 10, 1959, she was a resident of Hartselle, Alabama.
Jolene graduated from...
Arrests and incidents reported August 21, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 21, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Garden City Council welcomes Animal-Angels Foundation
GARDEN CITY, Ala. – The Garden City Town Council at its Aug. 17 meeting welcomed special guest, Animal-Angels Foundation Founder BJ Adkins.
Adkins stated the group hopes to bring “what we call high-impact clinics. We want to...
Cullman Community Theatre casts ‘Beauty and the Beast Jr.’
CULLMAN, Ala.- Cullman Community Theatre recently held auditions for “Beauty and the Beast Jr.,” casting the production that will be staged in late October.
Said...
City of Cullman launches Community Connect to aid emergency response
CULLMAN, Ala. – Community Connect is a free safety information site available to all Cullman residents aiming to better prepare for emergencies. Its launch was announced at the Cullman City Council meeting on Aug....
Cinderella Project grows from one thrift store dress to more than 250, hopes to expand...
BOAZ, Ala. – What began with a single thrift-store prom dress has grown into a Boaz-based nonprofit with more than 250 formal dresses, plans to...
2nd Fridays season finale
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 14 hosted the last 2nd Fridays event of the summer. This one had...
Vista Lago evaluating alternative wastewater options following Smith Lake concerns
CULLMAN, Ala. – Vista Lago’s development team says it is evaluating alternatives to its permitted wastewater-discharge plan after hearing concerns from residents, property owners,...
Football Fanatics 2026
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It’s here! 🏈 Football Fanatics 2026 is out!
Get ready for Friday nights with The Cullman Tribune’s FREE guide to the 2026 high school...
Obituary: James David Waldrop
Memorial service is incomplete at this time for James David Waldrop, 71, of Cullman and will be announced at a later date.
Cullman Funeral Home...
Obituary: Kathleen Lovell Mitchell
Kathleen Lovell Mitchell, of Cullman, Alabama, formerly of Holly Pond, Alabama, passed away on August 19, 2026, at the age of 93. Kathleen was...
Obituary: Randy Keith Cooksey
Funeral services for Randall “Randy” Keith Cooksey, 56, of Hanceville, AL will be 2 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel....
Obituary: Jimmy Ray Abercrombie
Jimmy Ray Abercrombie, age 80, of Cullman, passed from this life on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at his residence. A private family memorial will...
Obituary: Jerry Wayne Ward
Jerry Wayne Ward of Hayden passed away on August 18, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Elzie Ward, his sister...
Arrests and Incidents reported August 20, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 20, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
SLEPC, Alabama Power seeking volunteers for Sept. 18 Smith Lake cleanup
CULLMAN, Ala. - Volunteers will take to the water Friday, Sept. 18, to help remove litter and debris from Smith Lake during the fall Renew Our Rivers/SLEPC...
Ryans Creek Baptist Church’s rescheduled 5th annual car show set for Aug. 29
BREMEN, Ala. - Ryans Creek Baptist Church will welcome vehicle enthusiasts and families Saturday, Aug. 29, for its fifth annual car show, a free community...
Col. Don Fallin raises money for veterans on 52-mile Iceland trek
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local veteran Don Fallin and a group of retired veterans managed a 52-mile trek across Iceland to fundraise and support the Cullman County Veterans Hall of Fame. Fallin, a...
Pet of the Week: Molly measures love in time spent together
CULLMAN, Ala. – Molly, an approximately 2-year-old Terrier mix, is The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week.
This happy girl has a medium energy level and measures love by the...
PREP FOOTBALL: 10th annual Brandin’ Iron Bowl headlines week one matchups
CULLMAN, Ala. - Football is officially back this Friday night. 2026 looks to be a fun year for the Cullman-area high schools, with teams...
PREP SPORTS: Holly Pond’s Caroline McBride excited about upcoming volleyball, basketball seasons
CULLMAN, Ala. - Senior Caroline McBride moved to Holly Pond from St. Bernard over the summer, and collected some great memories during her time...
4 plead guilty in Hanceville Police Department corruption case; Wilbanks ordered to serve 3...
Updated Aug. 19, 2026, at 10:22 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Four defendants officially pleaded guilty Wednesday, Aug. 19, in the Hanceville Police Department corruption case,...
Hanceville awaits insurance answer on possible return of police department; council approves higher deductibles,...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville could know within approximately two weeks whether it can obtain insurance coverage for a future municipal police department, Mayor Nolan...
Obituary: Anthony “Tony” Lynn Ellard
Anthony “Tony” Lynn Ellard, of Welti, passed away early in the morning of August 16, 2026, at his hunting club in Clarke County, Alabama...
Obituary: Erma Taylor Bates
Erma Taylor Bates of Wynne, Arkansas, formerly of Trimble, Alabama went to be with her Lord on 15 August 2026.
She was born 13 October...
Obituary: Charlotte McQuaig Collins
Charlotte McQuaig Collins, 85, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on August 15, 2026. Born January 8, 1941, in Gardendale, Alabama, Charlotte’s life was marked...
Arrests and Incidents reported August 19, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 19, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Obituary: Charles Ervin Easterwood
Charles Ervin Easterwood, 85, of Bremen, Alabama, passed away on Monday, August 17th, 2026, to enter his heavenly home.
Raised in Bremen, Charles developed a...
Obituary: Jimmy D. Dill
Jimmy D. Dill, 76, passed away surrounded by his family on August 18, 2026. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud Pop.Jimmy...
Obituary: William Douglas Glasscock
Funeral Service for William Douglas Glasscock, age 72 of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Cullman Heritage Funeral...
Hot and Humid with Isolated Severe Storms Possible Wednesday
CLANTON – Wednesday, 5:00 am, August 19, 2026
A Heat Advisory remains in effect for portions of the state into this evening with afternoon heat...
Baileyton ‘Good Time’ Drag Strip listed for $1.4M; owner says track will remain open
BAILEYTON, Ala. – The Baileyton “Good Time” Drag Strip, Cullman County’s only active drag strip and a family operated racing landmark dating to 1966,...
YOUTH SPORTS: Cullman-area youth football set to return this weekend
CULLMAN, Ala. - Along with the return of high school football this Friday, the Cullman-area's youth football league, which consists of nine local teams,...
Obituary: Justin Rex Mosley
Justin Rex Mosley, 48, of Auburn, Alabama, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026. He was born on January 12, 1978, in Cullman, Alabama,...
Obituary: Michael Newsome
With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Michael Lee Newsome, who left this world on August 14, 2026, just shy of his 41st...
Obituary: J.D. Smith
J.D. was born in Cullman and grew up in the Pleasant Grove community. He attended East Point and Cullman schools. As a young man,...
Obituary: Winham “Bill” Eugene Yeager
Winham Eugene "Bill" Yeager began his life's journey in the small town of Childersburg, Alabama. Up until that time it had been a sprawling...
Obituary: Mary Nell Johns
Updated Aug. 25, 2026, at 10:46 p.m.
Funeral service for Mary Nell Johns, 85, of Cullman will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 19th, 2026,...
Arrests and Incidents reported August 18, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 18, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
CPD Officer Daniel Brown earns advanced hostage negotiation certification
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Police Officer Daniel Brown has completed the final phase of an intensive hostage and crisis negotiation training program, giving the department another...
South Cullman KFC closes, ending family’s 58-year franchise history
CULLMAN, Ala. - The KFC restaurant in the South Cullman Shopping Center has permanently closed, bringing an end to the Kohl and Weir family’s 58-year...
The Cary Center, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Wallace State to provide training...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Auburn University College of Human Sciences’ Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies is partnering with the Cullman...
Hanceville Fire & Rescue introduces new sauna
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Fire & Rescue now has a Good Health Sauna to help keep its firefighters safe, thanks to the Hanceville City...
10th annual Bernard Blues & BBQ returning to St. Bernard Sept. 12-13
CULLMAN, Ala. – Live blues, handmade art and Southern barbecue will return to the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Preparatory School when the 10th annual Bernard...
ADCNR: Regulation change allows for bass harvest at Duck River Reservoir
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has implemented a regulation change for...
Cat left outside Cullman County Animal Shelter sparks discussion over surrender rules
CULLMAN, Ala. – An adult female cat left unattended outside the Cullman County Animal Shelter before it opened Monday morning has prompted questions about...
Obituary: Melonie Glover Choudhary
Melonie Glover Choudhary, 67, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on August 12, 2026. Born February 1, 1959, in Cullman, Alabama, she lived her life...
Obituary: Wayne Trucks
He was Wayne first. Then a husband to one, a dad to three, and a friend to many. But for almost 40 years, the...
Obituary: Jody Duane Couch, Sr.
Funeral services for Jody Duane Couch Sr., 59, of Hanceville will be 2 p.m. Friday August 21st at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow...
Obituary: Kenneth Bryan Baker
Kenneth Bryan Baker, age 49 of Logan, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at his residence. He was born November 23, 1976, to Deirl Hugh Baker and...
Arrests and incidents reported August 17, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 17, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
CHS introduces new athletic trainer for 2026-2027 school year
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School has a new athletic trainer for the 2026-2027 school year, who will be working across all sports this...
Cullman man faces drug distribution charges following Hwy. 157 traffic stop
CULLMAN, Ala. — The Cullman Police Department said a Cullman man was arrested Sunday night following a traffic stop on Alabama Highway 157.
According to the CPD,...
Commission on Aging seeks volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Aging is asking individuals, churches and businesses to give approximately one hour a week to help deliver meals and companionship to...
Extreme Heat Warning and a few strong storms today
An Extreme Heat Warning is in effect for all of central Alabama through 9 p.m. A Heat Advisory is in effect for the remainder...
COLUMN: Don’t pay the stupid tax
For those of you who have been reading my column for a while you know I occasionally write about stupidity. More specifically, my stupidity - a subject I...
Cullman City Schools among Alabama’s best in 2025–26 ACAP results
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman City Schools “continues to demonstrate what is possible when resilient students, supportive families and dedicated educators work together toward a common goal: helping...
Get to Know: Zach Lee
Zach Lee is a Cullman native who volunteers on several local boards and participates in many charitable efforts.
He started his education in Cullman City Schools, but transferred to Vinemont around middle school and...
17-year remembrance event planned for missing Cullman woman Tabitha Franklin: Aug. 22
CULLMAN, Ala. - Family, friends and supporters will gather on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Sportsman Lake Park to honor the life and memory of Tabitha Franklin, who has been missing since Aug. 13,...
Files from Yesteryear: Aug. 15, 1935
From the files of Aug. 15, 1935
Bees and Butterflies
Alex Evers has returned from a trip to Chicago.
Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Bright spent Sunday...
COLUMN: Man’s best friend
I am a dog man! No, that is not a super hero; however, I have had a couple of dogs that were heroes…at least...
Cullman Police Department adds Bell Jet Ranger to aviation fleet
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Police Department has unveiled a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter as the newest addition to its fleet, providing officers with...
James Doss transferred to state prison to serve 325-year sentence
CULLMAN, Ala. - James Michael Doss, 67, of Cullman County, has been transferred to state prison to serve a 325-year sentence imposed after he...
Obituary: Glenn E. Williams
Funeral services for Glenn E. Williams, 79, of Cullman will be 2 p.m. Tuesday August 18th at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Bobby Waddell will...
Hanceville Knapsacks for Kids seeks support for new school year
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – As students begin the 2026-27 school year, Hanceville Knapsacks for Kids is asking the community to help ensure local children have food...
Beneath the surface, part 3: What the claims about Vista Lago get right, wrong and leave...
Read part 1: www.cullmantribune.com/2026/08/11/beneath-the-surface-part-1-adem-says-vista-lago-permit-is-first-direct-npdes-discharge-to-smith-lake
Read part 2: www.cullmantribune.com/2026/08/13/beneath-the-surface-part-2-4-wastewater-permits-operate-in-smith-lake-watershed-but-none-discharge-directly-to-lake
CULLMAN, Ala. – In the public campaign surrounding Vista Lago Smith Lake Development, the argument has often been reduced to two...
Colony Town Council addresses road concerns, funding
COLONY, Ala. – The Colony Town Council at its Aug. 11 addressed local roads.
The Council announced that the town was not awarded a grant from the Rebuild Alabama Act Annual Grant Program this year.
The Alabama Department of...
Hanceville Holly Market coming this December; vendors needed
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The City of Hanceville will host the Hanceville Holly Market this December, and vendors are needed.
The city’s parks and rec department posted: “The City...
PREP FOOTBALL: Addison dominant in 53-6 jamboree win vs. Marion County
ADDISON, Ala. - The preseason third-ranked 1A Addison Bulldogs hosted the Marion County Red Raiders for a jamboree game on Friday night and, in...
2 more defendants reach plea agreements in Hanceville Police Department corruption case
Eric and Donna Kelso ask court to schedule plea hearings; four of six defendants now have agreements with prosecutors
CULLMAN, Ala. - Two more defendants...
Cullman named Top 25 finalist in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town contest
CULLMAN, Ala. — Christmas in Cullman has captured the attention of families from across the country, and now it has caught the attention of...
