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CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Elks Lodge will fire up the smokers Sunday, Oct. 4, for a new barbecue competition honoring the life of Jonathan “Jonboy” Nethery, a friend and fellow Elk remembered for his love of cooking, competition and fellowship.  The inaugural Jonboy Smoke Off will be held at the Cullman...

CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman City Schools has been named a 2026 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction District by the Alabama School Counselor Association (ALSCA), recognizing the district for having all five schools earn the Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction.  The state distinction recognizes schools with...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools is partnering with the Parent Project to offer Loving Solutions, a free program for parents and guardians of children ages 5-11. The program is designed for families seeking additional support with challenging behaviors, communication, academic performance and a child’s...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Museum will debut a new fall exhibition Friday, Sept. 18, from 6-8 p.m. Prost to the Past! will honor Cullman’s history and traditions, just in time for Oktoberfest, which will take Place Oct. 1-4 at Depot Park next...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 27, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Incidents August 24 possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 222 unlawful breaking and entering motor vehicle; Sunnyside Dr. SW theft...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Charles Hayes still has the $2 bill Roy Drinkard handed him at a Troy University football game.  “I met Mr Drinkard at a Troy football game and he gave me a two dollar bill with his picture on it. I still have it,” Hayes wrote.  It was one of the...

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Public Library will host a Community Plant Swap on Saturday, Aug. 29, from noon-12:30 p.m.   Assistant Director Shelby Creekmore said the event was planned by a local individual, but the library is happy to play host for such a fun event.   “Danielle Holder put this event idea together and reached...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Sassy, a relaxed and affectionate Bombay/Manx cat, is The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week.  Approximately 4 years old, Sassy is a delightfully easygoing girl who loves snuggles, cuddles and attention. When she wants someone to notice her, she will roll around and turn on...

“I’ve always had a camera since I was a kid,” Sherry Brown stated in an interview with The Tribune.   She said her first camera was a 110 pocket film camera at age 10.   “I was always taking pictures of my brothers, cousins and I would get my dad to take me out to St....

FAIRVIEW, Ala. - The Fairview Senior Center is hosting its first Car & Craft Show this Saturday, Aug. 29, at from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Randall Shedd Community Park (Fairview Park).Fairview Senior Center Manager Angie Carter said they are excited to bring this event to...

CULLMAN, Ala. - Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, on Wednesday announced a major investment in rural Alabama schools following the Alabama Legislature’s full funding of school transportation for public schools. “For years, school systems have been forced to use money intended for the classroom to cover...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 26, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department Incidents August 20 doxxing; person August 24 domestic violence-3rd degree; person August 25 theft of...

CULLMAN, Ala. - President Beverly Wilkerson welcomed everyone to this month’s meeting of the Cullman County Historical Society at the North Alabama Agriplex. The guest speaker was Anita Whitlock, spoke about her book, “Strawberry Preserves and the Smoky Mountain Roads.” Whitlock is a retired English...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – First Source for Women is a pregnancy resource center located at 203 Commercial Street NE, Hanceville. The nonprofit offers free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, counseling and pregnancy education for new and expecting parents. It is currently accepting Baby Bottle Boomerang donations.   The center wrote, “Baby Bottle Boomerang is our largest fundraiser...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Three Cullman County projects will receive a combined $4,226,240 through the first round of Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program grants announced Monday, Aug. 24, by Gov. Kay Ivey. The largest award, $3.8 million, will go to Cullman Regional Medical Center to...

CULLMAN, Ala. — A two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 4:32 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, claimed the life of a Cullman man. Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as Christopher H. Ward, 49. Troopers said Ward was fatally injured when the 2004 Suzuki Intruder motorcycle he...

CLANTON, Ala. – Wednesday, 6:30 a.m., Aug. 26, 2026 Several upper-level disturbances will move across Alabama, producing periods of showers and thunderstorms through Friday, especially during the afternoon and evening hours. Scattered to numerous showers and thunderstorms will develop mainly across the western half of the...

As fall approaches the city of Cullman, there are several things we know to expect for certain. You can always count on autumnal treats and beverages added to the menus of local coffee shops or eateries. Windows will be painted in pumpkins or leaves...

CULLMAN, Ala. – A Falkville man has been arrested and charged in connection with the break-ins and damage of three vehicles at the Duck River Boat Ramp, according to the Cullman Police Department. Derek Wayne Halbrooks, 44, is charged with three counts of unlawful...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce met recently set event dates through May 2027.    As events approach, check the Chamber’s website for more details.   August 2026  Aug. 25 Chamber Bring your Lunch & Learn 11:30 a.m.  Aug. 26 Chamber Maximize Your Membership 9 a.m.  Aug. 28 Chamber Young Professionals Coffee & Connections 7:30 a.m.  September 2026  Sept....

HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College has announced the hiring of Jammie Lett as the new head coach of the Lions' men's golf program, adding one of Alabama's most accomplished PGA professionals and golf instructors to its athletics staff. A PGA Member with 25 years...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 25, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department Incidents August 24 domestic violence-3rd degree; person criminal trespass-3rd degree; Wal-Mart; Olive...

FAIRVIEW, Ala. – A longtime Labor Day tradition will return to Fairview on Monday, Sept. 7, when the Fairview Lions Club hosts its annual Labor Day celebration at Randall Shedd Community Park.   The community celebration will begin at 8 a.m. at the park, located at 649 Wesley Ave. N, and...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County seniors are being encouraged to break out the dirndls, lederhosen and German-inspired attire as the Cullman County Commission on Aging prepares for Senior Day at Oktoberfest on Friday, Oct. 2.  The annual celebration will begin at 10 a.m. at Depot Park in Cullman...

BAILEYTON, Ala. – Ask someone what makes a place home and the answer usually has very little to do with municipal boundaries.  In Baileyton, it might be family land passed from one generation to the next. It might be an old store, a neighbor who once stopped by for...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Local nonprofit The Willow Path (formerly Victim Services of Cullman) will host Night in the French Quarter on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-10 p.m. at the Cotton Creek Venue.    Executive Director Jessica Atchley said this year's event is designed to make guests feel like they've stepped into the French Quarter for...

JOPPA, Ala. – Members of the Joppa Volunteer Fire Department are pushing back against allegations circulating in the community that members of the department may have been responsible for a string of recent fires, calling the claims “absurd and disgusting” after firefighters spent roughly...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 24, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Incidents August 20 assault; CR 1332 domestic violence; CR 1083 trespassing; CR 813 domestic violence; CR 43 violation of protection order;...

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, bell peppers and cucumbers.   In addition to produce, they have handmade soap, natural loofahs made from the fibrous interior of “Luffa gourds" and jewelry.   This farmstand is located at...

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 Mississippi and move southeastward into the evening.  Models indicate the highest chances of severe weather will be across southern Louisiana...

CULLMAN, Ala. - Roy Henry Drinkard, the World War II veteran, businessman, developer and civic leader whose influence helped shape modern Cullman, passed away Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026. He was 106. Drinkard’s family confirmed his passing to The Cullman Tribune late Sunday night. Funeral arrangements...

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 board approved a two-year agreement with North Alabama Agriplex. Through our partnership with North Alabama Agriplex we pay $20,000 annually. In return we get help...

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 rate of 3.2%. July’s rate is above July 2025’s rate of 2.8%. The rate represents 79,345 unemployed people, compared to 76,589 in June and...

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 new My Outdoor Alabama system will be available by going directly to www.myoutdooralabama.com to start the license buying process, including logging into your account or...

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 Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Okay, let me be completely honest. I did not see the Gulf of Mexico...

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, was in the city Monday. Mrs. E. E. Green is quite ill to the regret of her many friends. Finis Fowler of...

CULLMAN, Ala. - Suds ’n Scissors opened the doors to its new building this past week, marking the latest chapter for the local grooming business that began as a one-woman operation more than four years ago. Owner and Groomer Kennedy Cudnohufsky started Suds ’n Scissors...

CULLMAN, Ala. – A City of Cullman response to a public records request has confirmed that former City Attorney Roy Williams initiated an investigation involving allegations of time theft at the Cullman Police Department and has revealed previously undisclosed communications involving Human Resources and...

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 to help residents understand existing homestead exemptions and a proposed constitutional amendment that could freeze the assessed value of certain...

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 a development at 1432 Dripping Springs Road NW.   The Board said the minimum square footage for the duplex is 10,000 square feet. The proposed lot is 9,561 square feet with a variance of 439 square...

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 Lake Park Sunday, Sept. 6, and Monday, Sept. 7.  The two-day festival will feature live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Oktoberfest is adding a new face to one of its most recognizable traditions this year, and organizers are looking for a young Cullman County resident ready to take on the role.  For the first time, the festival will select a Kinderbürgermeister, or...

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. They help us understand how our environment is doing; if they aren't around that tells us that perhaps our environment is too polluted or perhaps habitat quality is too low. However when you see them fluttering in the night that's a good indicator that the environment is thriving.  Moths are beautiful; they bring drama and mystery to our night skies and turn our gardens into nightly fairytales. With patterns that look like eyes and shimmering silk like wings, how could anyone want to hurt these beautiful night fairies?   Unfortunately, we hurt moths without even realizing it. Human activities that contribute to climate change can alter moth habitats and life cycles. Weather events, such as droughts, floods and wildfires can destroy moth populations by damaging...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 21, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department Incidents August 19 duty upon striking unattended vehicle; person; damage to...

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 do free vaccinations, rabies, microchipping and heartworm testing.” She said they don't want to do this just as a one-time thing, but multiple years.  Adkins also provided information stating that according to Huntsville...

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 Savannah Smith Seay, “To say the casting panel was blown away is an understatement.Cullman and the surrounding areas are packed...

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. 10.   Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Darren Peeples stated, “This is a very secure environment. Our Information Technology Director, Jacob Smith, looked at it...

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 serve approximately 50 students in 2027 with hopes of eventually expanding into Cullman County.  The Cinderella Project provides free prom dresses,...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 14 hosted the last 2nd Fridays event of the summer. This one had a “Neon Moon” theme. Live music included Justin Pace DJ, County Line, Justin + Tab, Luke Shelton and Chrissy Hagar.   There...

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, community leaders and businesses around Smith Lake. The announcement does not identify a selected alternative or say that Vista Lago’s existing...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 20, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Incidents August 17 theft of property; CR 372 burglary; CR 587 menacing; CR 284 domestic violence; CR 109 burglary; Michelle St....

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 Smith Lake Cleanup.  The Smith Lake Environmental Preservation Committee and Alabama Power are organizing the cleanup, which will focus on shoreline...

BREMEN, Ala. - Ryans Creek Baptist Church will welcome vehicle enthusiasts and families Saturday, Aug. 29, for its fifth annual car show, a free community event featuring trophies, more than 50 door prizes, children’s activities and a barbecue lunch.  The show was originally scheduled for July 25 but...

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 retired Army colonel and Cullman County Veterans Hall of Fame committee member, said the rugged trek across the remote landscapes of eastern Iceland...

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 time you spend with her. Molly thrives on praise and encouragement, willingly accepting new challenges when she knows someone is there...

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, with former Officer Jason Scott Wilbanks ordered to serve three years in state prison and former Reserve Officer Eric Michael...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville could know within approximately two weeks whether it can obtain insurance coverage for a future municipal police department, Mayor Nolan Bradford said during the City Council’s Thursday, Aug. 13, meeting. The insurance question represents another step in the city’s effort to...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 19, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department August 17 identity theft; person Arrests August 18 Farmer, Rachel N.; 34 FTA –...

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 index values from 104-112. Isolated to scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon across the western half of the state. ...

BAILEYTON, Ala. – The Baileyton “Good Time” Drag Strip, Cullman County’s only active drag strip and a family operated racing landmark dating to 1966, has been placed on the market for $1.4 million. Owner Russ Easterwood announced the sale in a Facebook post, describing the...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 18, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department August 17 identity theft; person No arrests reported. Hanceville Police Department Incidents and...

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 advanced resource for resolving some of the most volatile situations officers can encounter without the use of force.  Brown completed the 40-hour Hostage...

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 history as KFC franchise operators.  The restaurant at 1620 Second Ave. SW completed its final shift Sunday, Aug. 16.  Crews were at...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Auburn University College of Human Sciences’ Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies is partnering with the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Wallace State Community College to present a half-day of training for nonprofits.   The Cary Center Nonprofit...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Fire & Rescue now has a Good Health Sauna to help keep its firefighters safe, thanks to the Hanceville City Council and Mayor Nolan Bradford approving the sauna in its last budget. Firefighters face one of the highest occupational cancer risks...

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 Blues & BBQ takes place Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13. Festival hours will be 9 a.m.-4 p.m. each day.  The event brings...

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 the Duck River Reservoir in Cullman.  The revised regulation establishes a 14- to 22-inch protective slot limit for black bass. Anglers may harvest black...

CULLMAN, Ala. – An adult female cat left unattended outside the Cullman County Animal Shelter before it opened Monday morning has prompted questions about the difference between legally surrendering an animal and abandoning one on shelter property. Cullman County Animal Shelter Director Andrea Hudson told...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 17, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Incidents August 13 trafficking drugs; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; US. 231 reckless endangerment; US. 31 possession...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School has a new athletic trainer for the 2026-2027 school year, who will be working across all sports this fall, winter and spring. Patrick Johnson, from Madison, Alabama, has joined CHS athletics as the school’s new athletic trainer. Johnson is...

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, Officer Hank Radcliff conducted the stop at around 9:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 16. Police identified the driver as Jason Watwood of...

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 homebound seniors in the city of Cullman.  Volunteers are needed one day a week during the  meal delivery window of 10 a.m.-noon. Those...

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 of the state. Afternoon Heat Index values could reach as high as 113 in spots across central Alabama this afternoon. It is...

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 am an expert in. You know what they say, “Write what you know.”  Well, yesterday I turned in another Hall of Fame performance. I’m not...

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 every student succeed,” the school said in a statement Friday, Aug. 14.  Recently released results from the Alabama State Department of Education...

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 went on to graduate from Vinemont High School.   He said his favorite thing about Cullman is the community and how people are quick to help one...

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, 2009.  The remembrance event will be held from 2-4 p.m. and will provide an opportunity for the community to come together, remember Tabitha and renew awareness...

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 in Arab. Mrs. Essie Scheuing spent Wednesday in Birmingham. Mrs. Lavert Freeman spent Wednesday in Birmingham. Dr. and Mrs. M. S. Whiteside and...

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 to me. I like cats, too, but I have not had one for quite some time. I do prefer dogs...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Police Department has unveiled a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter as the newest addition to its fleet, providing officers with another aerial resource for searches, emergencies and major incidents. The department introduced the aircraft Friday with a new black-and-gold paint scheme...

CULLMAN, Ala. - James Michael Doss, 67, of Cullman County, has been transferred to state prison to serve a 325-year sentence imposed after he pleaded guilty to 12 child sex crime charges, Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker announced. Doss was transported Thursday, Aug. 13,...

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 when they leave school for the weekend.  The program packed 3,800 bags during a 30-week period last school year. That equals...

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 sharply different descriptions.  Opponents have warned that sewage will be pumped into Smith Lake.  Vista Lago has publicly stated that its Alabama Department of...

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 Transportation says of the program: “The RAA Annual Grant Program is an ALDOT administered transportation infrastructure grant program for projects of...

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 of Hanceville Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce our upcoming Hanceville Holly Market at the Hanceville Civic Center! Join us for a festive holiday shopping experience across three Saturdays this December.”  Dates: Dec....

Eric and Donna Kelso ask court to schedule plea hearings; four of six defendants now have agreements with prosecutors CULLMAN, Ala. - Two more defendants charged in the Hanceville Police Department corruption case have reached plea agreements with state prosecutors, bringing the number of defendants...

CULLMAN, Ala. — Christmas in Cullman has captured the attention of families from across the country, and now it has caught the attention of Hallmark. Cullman has officially been selected as one of the Top 25 finalists in Hallmark’s Merriest Christmas Town Contest, placing...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 14, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office No arrests or incidents reported. Cullman Police Department August 12 harassment; person theft of property-4th degree; criminal trespass-3rd degree;...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College congratulates the 251 outstanding students who were named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the summer 2026 semester.   To earn a spot on the Wallace State President’s List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a...

CULLMAN, Ala. – United Way of Cullman County is seeking sponsors for its largest annual fundraiser, Designer Bag Bingo, set for Thursday, Nov. 12.  The 2026 event will bring hundreds of community members together for an evening of bingo and opportunities to win designer handbags while...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Shirley Burden Public Library in Hanceville recently hosted Larry Darnell, who presented Mr. Larry’s Magic Show as part of the library’s kids’ programming.   Mr. Larry combined archaeology, paleontology and magic to spark children's curiosity about history, reading and storytelling through interactive demonstrations and books.  The children weren't the only ones...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman VFW on Aug. 8, hosted its third Back-to-School Bash. The VFW Auxiliary’s Gina Adams said that the event was for the children of Cullman and other surrounding areas to have a place to have one more go at a summer...

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College celebrated the success of more than 120 nursing students during a pinning ceremony for the August 2026 class.  Graduates of the program included the first cohort of the UAB/WSCC Joint Enrollment Mobility option, the second cohort for the...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported Aug. 13, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty. GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Incidents Aug. 10 trespassing; CR 703 theft of property; CR 1082 harassment; Clint Warren St. NE assault; CR 433 assault; Colony...

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday, Aug. 10, approved several economic development items, including The Shoppes at Heritage Park, a new multiacre development planned for the corner of Cherokee Avenue Southwest and Swafford Road Southwest.   Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Executive Director Jamie Troutman said the 156,000-square-foot project will be home to 15-20 new...

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission approved two economic development agreements, adopted several policies and handled a number of contracts, purchases and other items during its Aug. 11 meeting. The commission also recognized Brooklynn Merriman for winning 2026 Teen Miss Alabama, as well as 2026 Miss Alabama Strawberry Festival.   Adopting Resolution No. 2026-40, the Commission approved a project agreement with API Cullman LLC...

Read part 1 at www.cullmantribune.com/2026/08/11/beneath-the-surface-part-1-adem-says-vista-lago-permit-is-first-direct-npdes-discharge-to-smith-lake.   CULLMAN, Ala. – Is Vista Lago really the first wastewater discharge permitted on Smith Lake?  ADEM’s answer is narrower than the shorthand often used in the public debate.  Wastewater treatment facilities already operate under National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits within the Lewis Smith Lake drainage area. According to ADEM,...

CULLMAN, Ala. – Socks, an approximately 2-year-old Beagle/Terrier mix, is The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week.  Socks came to the shelter following a death in his family. Despite that difficult change, this medium-energy fellow remains affectionate, trusting and eager to share his love with someone new.  He is house trained and makes...

In order to keep your child safe you have to educate yourself on any and all threats. One thing that can be often overlooked is button batteries. Button batteries are disc-shaped batteries that gets their nickname from their resemblance to a button or coin. They are typically 1-6 millimeters in height and 5-25 millimeters in diameter.   When button batteries are ingested, saliva triggers an electrical...

CULLMAN, Ala.  – The Cullman County Democratic Executive Committee will meet Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Colony Educational Complex for the group’s quadrennial organizing meeting for 2026-2030. In accordance with bylaws, members of the executive committee will meet to elect the...