Cullman Tree Commission looks ahead to park plantings, Festival of Trees
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Tree Commission is working on several projects that could shape how trees are planted, maintained and promoted around the city in the months ahead.
One...
PREP VOLLEYBALL: Addison comes away with a commanding 3-0 win over Winston County
ADDISON, Ala. - The defending state champs and top ranked 1A Addison Lady Bulldogs hosted their neighbors from across the lake, the 2A Winston...
County Parks and Rec gearing up for seasonal events
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Parks and Recreation has a few events planned for the entire family, beginning with the 30th annual Sweet Tater Festival.
The Sweet Tater Festival will take place Sept....
Cullman Elks to honor Jonathan Nethery with inaugural Jonboy Smoke Off
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Elks Lodge will fire up the smokers Sunday, Oct. 4, for a new barbecue competition honoring the life of Jonathan...
Cullman City Schools named 2026 Alabama School Counseling Program of Distinction District
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...
Cullman County Schools offering free parenting support program
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools is partnering with the Parent Project to offer Loving Solutions, a free program for parents and guardians of...
Prost to the Past! exhibit opens at Cullman County Museum Sept. 18
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...
Arrests and Incidents reported August 27, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 27, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Remembering Roy Drinkard: Community members recall the man who helped shape Cullman
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...
Community Plant Swap this Saturday at downtown library
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...
Pet of the Week: Sassy is ready to cuddle
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...
Photographer Spotlight: Sherry Brown
“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...
Fairview Senior Center hosting Car & Craft Show this Saturday, Aug. 29
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...
Gudger announces major investment in school transportation for Cullman County
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...
Arrests and incidents reported Aug. 26, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 26, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Cullman County Historical Society welcomes Anita Whitlock
CULLMAN, Ala. - President Beverly Wilkerson welcomed everyone to this month’s meeting of the Cullman County Historical Society at the North Alabama Agriplex. The...
First Source holding ‘Baby Bottle Boomerang’ donation drive
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...
Cullman Regional awarded $3.8M for residency program with focused obstetrics track
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...
Cullman man killed in Marshall County crash
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...
Periods of showers and thunderstorms through Friday
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...
A glimpse into Cullman Oktoberfest and Burgermeister history
As fall approaches the city of Cullman, there are several things we know to expect for certain. You can always count on autumnal treats...
Falkville man charged in Duck River Boat Ramp vehicle break-ins
CULLMAN, Ala. – A Falkville man has been arrested and charged in connection with the break-ins and damage of three vehicles at the Duck...
Chamber sets calendar through May 2027
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....
Wallace State names Jammie Lett head coach of men’s golf
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College has announced the hiring of Jammie Lett as the new head coach of the Lions' men's golf program,...
Arrests and incidents reported August 25, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 25, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Fairview Lions Club Labor Day celebration returns Sept. 7
FAIRVIEW, Ala. – A longtime Labor Day tradition will return to Fairview on Monday, Sept. 7, when the Fairview Lions Club hosts its annual Labor...
Senior Day at Oktoberfest to bring contests, music and new traditions Oct. 2
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...
What makes Baileyton home? Residents answer town’s call for stories
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...
The Willow Path preparing for annual fundraiser, Night in the French Quarter
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...
Joppa Volunteer Fire Department pushes back against allegations members caused recent fires
JOPPA, Ala. – Members of the Joppa Volunteer Fire Department are pushing back against allegations circulating in the community that members of the department...
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 =...
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,...
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...
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....
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 into Cullman County
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,...
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...
4 plead guilty in Hanceville Police Department corruption case; Wilbanks ordered to serve 3 years
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, fire gear
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville could know within approximately two weeks whether it can obtain insurance coverage for a future municipal police department, Mayor Nolan...
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 =...
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,...
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 for nonprofits
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...
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...
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 unanswered
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...
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...
Arrests and Incidents reported August 14, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported August 14, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Wallace State announces President’s List and Dean’s List for summer 2026
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...
United Way seeking sponsors for 2026 Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser
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...
‘It’s been a great life’: Hanceville Library hosts retiring magician Mr. Larry
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....
VFW hosts Back-to-School Bash
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...
Wallace State Nursing celebrates August 2026 graduates
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College celebrated the success of more than 120 nursing students during a pinning ceremony for the August 2026...
Arrests and incidents reported Aug. 13, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported Aug. 13, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA =...
Cullman City Council announces $58M shopping center development and more
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...
County Commission approves project agreement for The Shoppes at Heritage Park in 3-2 vote
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...
Beneath the surface, part 2: 4 wastewater permits operate in Smith Lake watershed, but none discharge directly to lake
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...
