All about mushrooms
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Mushroom Society President Alisha Millican and Alabama Nature Journal Club President Laramie Akozbek came together Saturday, July 29, to host a mushroom nature journaling event at Sportsman Lake Park. In total, 19 participants spent the morning hiking and foraging for...
PREP VOLLEYBALL: ‘The good Lord put this opportunity and this phenomenal group of girls in my life’: Morgan Hammock named Hanceville head volleyball coach
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville has a new head coach taking the reins of the varsity volleyball program. Morgan Hammock is replacing Candice Grochowalski, who will be coaching the JV team and she shared her excitement about the job opening and what all she learned...
PREP SPORTS: ‘Positive motivation and encouragement alone can make a team so much better’: West Point’s Liberty Shadix ready for senior seasons
WEST POINT, Ala. – Lady Warriors volleyball and basketball standout Liberty Shadix learned a lot during her junior season and had a blast playing alongside some great teammates so now she’s ready to carry what she’s learned into her senior year.
"We definitely have a...
Vinemont High’s Moody represents Alabama at American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vinemont High’s School’s Vivian (Gracie) Moody was one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of...
COLUMN: Celebrating in the Wundergarten – The ABCs of trees
Having fun while learning at the Sportsman Lake Tree Museum is as easy as A-B-C.
THE ABCs of TREES
A is for APPLE TREES—Exploring the great outdoors on your Alphabet Adventure at the Tree Museum begins with apples. Money may not grow on trees, but food...
Wallace State STEAM camp geared for younger students
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College recently hosted a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) Camp for middle school students.
According to WSCC Computer Science and Mathematics Department Secretary Bralee Glenn, the camp is designed to teach students early on that there are...
Files from yesteryear: 1930, 1950
From the files of 1930
The bodies of two Cullman County soldiers arrived home, Emory McConnell and Ulyses Yeager.
Mr. Jessie Smith is erecting a cotton gin at Simcoe.
W.C. Waldrop and wife attended the two-day Union Harp singing at Old Redan Church and reported a fine...
Hanceville City Council discusses possible RV park
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Hanceville Council members excitedly discussed the possibility of an RV park located behind the CVS Pharmacy at 303 Main St NE in Hanceville at its July 27 meeting.
“We’d still have to figure out the particulars,” said Mayor Kenneth Nail, theorizing that...
City School Board appoints new board member
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City School Board at its Thursday, July 27, meeting, appointed Jill Bradberry to fill the seat formerly held by Joey Orr.
Cullman City Schools Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said, “We're excited to have Mrs. Bradberry with us. There are so many...
Nifty knitters and cool crocheters assemble weekly at library
CULLMAN, Ala. – Knitters and crocheters alike of every skill level assemble under the roof of the Cullman County Public Library every Tuesday afternoon. The class teaches heritage skills in a down-to-earth setting, where anyone can learn.
Host Regina Johnson said her goal is simple:...
Library hosts annual Harry Potter birthday celebration
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Public Library on Friday morning welcomed members of the community to a celebration of Harry Potter’s birthday.
Cullman County Public Library SystemAssistant Director Josie Harrington said, “We’ve been doing our Harry Potter birthday parties for several years.”
Attendees got to...
6th annual Stuff the Bus campaign comes to a close
CULLMAN, Ala. – The United Way of Cullman County’s (UWCC) sixth annual Stuff the Bus campaign, which collected donations of school supplies for area students, came to a close Friday afternoon, and UWCC Executive Director Waid Harbison said he was happy with the results.
"We...
PREP BASKETBALL: ‘Working with the athletes at Good Hope has made my game stronger’: Good Hope’s Ella Gossett prepares for 1st season with Lady Raiders
GOOD HOPE, Ala. -- Freshman Ella Gossett made the move from Cullman to Good Hope this offseason and she enjoyed her time as a Lady Bearcat but she’s also excited to learn as much as she can about her new team and earn some...
Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest opens Aug. 1
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2024 Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries. This year’s contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) and the Alabama Tourism Department. The deadline to enter is Oct. 31, 2023.
The 2024...
PREP CHEER: ‘Always give 100% effort’: Vinemont’s Makenna Howard recaps freshman season
VINEMONT, Ala. -- Vinemont’s Makenna Howard cheered on varsity as a freshman last season, and she learned so much from that experience. She got to cheer alongside some great cheerleaders last year and soaked up as much as she could from them to prepare...
Pet of the week: Rex
CULLMAN, Ala. – Rex, an approximately 5-year-old male “bassador” with a toasty caramel coat, is up for adoption at Cullman County Animal Shelter.
Rex is a low-to-medium energy middle-aged man, who cherishes the time he gets to spend with you. He’s not quite clingy as...
Cullman City Schools appoints Jill Bradberry to open board seat
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City School Board on Thursday, July 27, appointed Cullman native Jill Bradberry to the board, filling the seat formerly held by Joey Orr. Orr recently stepped down to take a new position working at the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bradberry is...
Rock n Roll Sushi welcomes new owners
CULLMAN, Ala. - Rock n Roll Sushi in Cullman changed ownership in April, and the restaurant celebrated with a grand opening on Wednesday, July 26.
New owners Chuck and Stephanie Perkins, along with family members and Mobile natives, Russell and Tiffany Perkins, have been...
Monograms Plus holds soft opening in new location
CULLMAN, Ala. – Monograms Plus held its soft opening at the store’s new location Friday, July 21.
Owner Lynsey Todd said she was very excited for the move. Monograms Plus has been a staple retail store in the Cullman community and has been a growing...
Sullivan Creek Ranch hosts National Day of the Cowboy
VINEMONT, Ala. – Sullivan Creek Ranch hosted its National Day of the Cowboy event on Sunday.
The family friendly event saw attendees bring chairs and tents to watch participants compete in a ranch task competition that showcased what cowboys do every day working their cattle.
Sullivan...
Good Samaritan Health Clinic hosts Alabama Lions Sight mobile eyecare unit
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman’s Good Samaritan Health Clinic on Wednesday hosted a unit of the Alabama Lions Sight Mobile Eye Program, offering low-cost eye exams and glasses, and even free eye care to those who could not afford to pay. Optometrist Dr. Ryan Price,...
‘Chief of morale’
Cullman Fire Rescue welcomes Charlie the Fire Dog
CULLMAN, Ala. – After 15 years in fire service, Josh Sparkman finally got his dream fire dog, found in a 5-year-old Texan Dalmatian named Charlie. Although working animals alongside first responders certainly isn’t a new concept, it’s...
CPD announces arrests in Rock the South assault
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Police Department at a press conference Wednesday, July 26, announced the arrests of three individuals in relation to the assault that took place Saturday, July 22, at Rock the South. The victim, Reid Watts, 18, whose brutal beating was...
PREP SPORTS: ‘The little things are actually just as important as the big things’: West Point’s Caitlee Simmons talks freshman year
WEST POINT, Ala. -- West Point’s Caitlee Simmons is gearing up for her sophomore seasons with both the Lady Warriors volleyball and basketball teams and in this interview, she shared some of her favorite lessons and memories she gained during her freshman year.
"This season...
2 WSCC alums sign with MLB teams during 2023 Draft
HANCEVILLE, Ala. -- Wallace State Baseball added two more names to Major League Baseball rosters when former Lion stars Colson Lawrence and Will Varmette were drafted in the 2023 MLB Draft.
“It's always exciting when our players at Wallace State get the opportunity to play...
‘Everyone deserves to hear live music once in a while’
Jesse Priest rocks the CCCDD over RTS weekend
CULLMAN, Ala. – Rock the South is an explosion of light, color and twangy country sound. The now three-day weekend is packed with thousands of folks from near and far, which can be overstimulating for even the...
PREP CHEER: ‘Lean on God’: Vinemont’s Addison Whaley recaps freshman year
VINEMONT, Ala. -- Last season was Addison Whaley's first on Vinemont’s varsity cheer team and she took away so much from that experience.
"It was a great learning experience for us all. We were a young team that grew together and became a family. We...
Cullman council awards bid for new civic center
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council on Monday awarded the bid for the construction of the new civic center to Jim Cooper Construction Company, Inc.
"We are thrilled to see the payoff of our extensive design efforts. By revising the original design, we were...
Rock the South donates nearly $70K to local nonprofits
CULLMAN, Ala. – While Rock the South brings in millions in revenue annually, it has never lost sight of its original cause: gathering the community together to give back. Since its inception in 2012, Rock the South has given back almost $1 million to...
Hot, wet and wild Rock the South 2023
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Alabama heat was intense as thousands of attendees gathered at York Farms in Cullman County this past weekend for Rock the South. Concertgoers donned their finest denim cut-offs and cropped tops to boot-scoot and boogie to the voices and talents...
2 WSCC athletics teams receive NJCAA Academic Team of the Year honors
HANCEVILLE, Ala. -- Wallace State Community College’s Men’s Tennis and Volleyball teams each were recognized by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as 2022-2023 Academic Teams of the Year. Both were recognized as having the highest GPA in their respective sport throughout the...
Cullman Swim Team places 2nd at ARPA State Championships
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The Cullman Swim & Dive team finishes 2nd in the state following an outstanding performance. They have achieved this ranking for three consecutive seasons.
Coaches:
Charis Peek, head coach
Logan Holley, assistant coach
6 & UNDER BOYS
CJ Curry- 25y Free (9th), 25y Back (8th)
6 &...
BOOK REVIEW: ‘The Lost Summers of Newport’ by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig and Karen White
The summer mansions of Newport, Rhode Island, are the setting for this book, which is about three women in three different eras written by three different authors. Money, old and new, and secrets held in the boathouse dominate the story.
The first storyline is set in...
Cullman City Schools awarded $400K for STEM initiatives
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman City Schools is set to expand its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) offerings in the coming years with dedicated staff and resources, thanks to new federal grant funds.
The $400,000 grant is being awarded as part of the federal Safer...
COLUMN: Celebrating in the Wundergarten – The Rock the South Rock Garden
Shane Quick is a “Home County Hero” of mine. The modern-day trinity of Frank Stitt, the James Beard Award-winning, celebrity chef/founder of Highlands Bar and Grill; Mother Angelica, the nun who founded the Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament; and Shane Quick, the visionary founder...
Files from yesteryear 1930
From the files of 1930
Presidents of the various organizations on the Cullman County High School campus are Boys Council – Juel Lee, Girls Council – Myrtle Wise, Senior Class – Carl Peinhardt, Junior Class – Nelle Hurston, Sophomore Class – Bruce Wallace, Freshman Class...
Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame inducts Class of 2023
CULLMAN, Ala. – Local sports legends gathered with family and friends at Stone Bridge Farms Saturday night to celebrate one of Cullman County’s most important sporting traditions. 12 new members were inducted into the Cullman County Sports Hall of Fame and the Class of...
It’s tax-free weekend: What school essentials to purchase
CULLMAN, Ala. - If you haven't ordered school supplies already, Alabama’s 18th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday (now through Sunday night, July 23, at midnight) is a great time to check with your child's school and/or teacher for the exact list of school supplies...
Wallace State unveils portrait of Garlan E. Gudger Sr.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College hosted the unveiling of a portrait of Dr. Garlan E. Gudger Sr., on Thursday, July 20, in the student center that bears his name on the campus in Hanceville.
Gudger served as the first dean of students at...
Berlin Town Council accepts shelter bid, prepares for farmers’ market festival
BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council on Monday evening opened three submitted bids for its proposed community tornado shelter, awarding a contract to Hartselle-based Aqua Marine Enterprises, pending adjustments for a change to the bathroom from a proposed chemical vat system to a...
PREP CHEER: ‘We are all in this together’: Vinemont’s Ashton Kelley recaps junior year
VINEMONT, Ala. -- Vinemont senior cheerleader Ashton Kelley has been cheering on the varsity squad for her entire high school career. She talked about last season and what all she learned and why she feels blessed to get to cheer alongside some great girls.
"I...
‘Don’t make too much of it!’
Hanceville Public Library celebrates 88th birthday of beloved librarian Shirley Burden
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Surrounded by cherished books, lively children, and grateful coworkers, Shirley Burden celebrated her 88th birthday on Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at Hanceville Public Library. The celebration included heartfelt handmade cards from...
Pet of the week: Doin’ just fine with Dandy
CULLMAN, Ala. – Dandy, an approximately 2-years-old male Texas Heeler with a plush toasty caramel coat, spotted feet and white-tipped tail, is available for adoption at Cullman County Animal Shelter.
Dandy is a delightful gentleman with low-to-medium energy, and demonstrates a lot of common sense....
Wallace State signs MOU with Auburn University
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College and Auburn University recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) establishing a bachelor of science pathway for Wallace State students transferring to Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.
“I am excited about this signing agreement between Auburn and Wallace...
Family medicine physician Lauren Robinson joins Cullman Regional Medical Group
CULLMAN, Ala. – Family medicine physician Lauren Robinson, DO recently joined the Cullman Regional Medical Group.
Robinson completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, followed by her Master of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and her Doctorate...
Local CPA arrested for theft of services
CULLMAN, Ala. - Barry Thompson, a local Certified Public Accountant (CPA), was arrested on July 17 and charged with four counts of theft of services in the fourth degree. It is believed that there may be additional victims involved.
Cullman Police Chief David Nassetta anticipates...
‘He was probably one of the best investigators I ever had the pleasure of working with’
Attorney General Steve Marshall honors fallen lieutenant
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Close family members, former coworkers and elected officials gathered in the Hanceville City Council chambers on Wednesday morning to pay tribute to the late Hanceville Lieutenant Kevin Pounders, who tragically passed away from COVID in...
Jacobs proclaims Camp Liberty’s 10th Anniversary Day in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Friday proclaimed July 14, 2023, Camp Liberty’s 10th Anniversary Day in the city of Cullman. On hand to receive the official proclamation was Camp Liberty Director of Special Events Dr. Bob Montague.
Since relocating to the Battleground...
Cullman’s Sosa wins scholarship during Miss Alabama competition
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Two UA students placed in the Top 5 at the Miss Alabama pageant held June 28 through July 1. Ibby Dickson was named second runner-up and Hannah Adams was named third runner-up during the final night of competition.
Their placement in the...
PREP FOOTBALL: ‘Represent my community in a good way’: Good Hope’s Colten Whatley recaps junior year
GOOD HOPE, Ala. -- The Good Hope Raiders qualified for the playoffs last year after a strong finish to the regular season and quarterback Colten Whatley talked about what he learned during that stretch and what it was like playing alongside a great group...
North claims Boys’ and Girls’ wins in All-Star Week Cross Country Competition, Cold Springs’ Edgeworth places 1st
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Cold Springs High School rising senior Ethan Edgeworth sped to the individual championship of the sixth AHSAA All-Star Week North-South All-Star Cross Country competition Tuesday morning with a sensational time (15:15.13) in the grueling July heat to lift the North to a 77-113 victory at...
County, City to form Solid Waste Disposal Authority
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission at its Tuesday meeting approved the formation of the Solid Waste Disposal Authority (SWDA) to manage a partnership between the City of Cullman and Cullman County to prevent an outside, private company from purchasing the Cullman County...
United Way ‘Stuff the Bus’ happening now through July 28
CULLMAN, Ala. – The United Way of Cullman County is hosting its sixth annual school supply drive, Stuff the Bus, now through July 28. Donated school supplies will be distributed to city and county school students who do not have access to school supplies...
‘Being on that field lights a fire under us’: West Point’s Olivia Curtis recaps sophomore season
WEST POINT, Ala. – In this interview, I talked to West Point junior majorette Olivia Curtis, and she recapped her sophomore year in the band. Olivia learned and went through a lot during the year with her fellow bandmates and she believes those experiences...
‘Rockin’ Good’ grocery giveaway this Saturday; volunteers needed
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Link of Cullman County has teamed up once again with Greater Good Music and Rock the South to distribute food boxes to the first 500 families on Saturday, July 22, 2023, starting at 8 a.m. at 708 Ninth St. SE...
Cullman Regional expansion project adds 30 beds
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Regional is now a 175-bed hospital with the recent completion of a four- story, 30-bed tower expansion. The project added 13 new critical care beds, 12 new medical/surgical beds and five beds created by renovating existing space in the hospital....
‘Big Zac’ wins title at 2nd annual Cullman County Tomato Taste-Off
CULLMAN, Ala. – In the midst of the hustle and bustle of a Saturday morning at the Festhalle Farmers Market, a small panel of judges deliberated over the fruits of local farmers' labor – literally – at the second annual Cullman County Tomato Taste-Off...
PREP CHEER: ‘Be role models for our school and our teammates’: Good Hope’s Maycie Nolen talks freshman season
GOOD HOPE, Ala. -- Good Hope cheerleader Maycie Nolen is preparing for her second year on the Raiders varsity cheer team, and she's had a blast learning as much as she can from all her teammates and coaches.
"I have absolutely loved being on the...
Meet the Coaches: Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts
AUBURN, Ala. – A college head coach for 11 seasons, Auburn defensive coordinator Ron Roberts knows firsthand the value of loyal lieutenants.
“There are things you want to keep off the head coach’s desk,” Roberts said. “He’s got a lot of his own things to...
Wallace State hosting open house for Oneonta Nursing classes
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College’s Oneonta center announces it will hold an open house for those interested in seeing where Nursing classes will be held at the Academic Center and those wishing to know more about the program. The open house will...
General surgeon Bailey Meherg joins Cullman Regional Medical Group
CULLMAN, Ala. — Bailey Meherg, DO recently joined the Cullman Regional Medical Group.
Meherg specializes in a variety of surgical procedures, including minimally invasive robotic surgery, colorectal surgery, breast surgery, hernia repair, endoscopy, neuromodulation for bladder incontinence, neuromodulation for bowel incontinence and foregut surgery.
Meherg completed...
COLUMN: Celebrating in the Wundergarten – Grandfather Pine and Grandmother Magnolia
BRING YOUR GRANDMA to SEE “THE GRANDMOTHER MAGNOLIA” and BRING YOUR GRANDPA to see “THE GRANDFATHER PINE” at the Sportsman Lake Park TREE MUSEUM—FREE and open to all, 365 days each year. (Directions: Go to Sportsman Lake Park and take the road to the...
Books reviews from CCPLS readers
Readers who frequent the Cullman County Public Library System share reviews of some of their recently read books.
Submission date: July 11, 2023
Reviewer: Heather Allen
Title: “Devolution”
Author: Max Brooks
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Thoughts about the book: I can read this book again and again! There...
Files from yesteryear: 1900, 1930
From the files of 1900
Arthur and Walter Oden are at the bedside of their father, Captain E.J. Oden.
Reverend Anson West has about recovered from an illness.
D.L. Aldredge of Holly Pond was in Cullman on Tuesday.
Miss Minnie Braasch and Edgar Stoll of Vinemont have entered...
Cullman County Republican Women host annual cookout
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Republican Women (CCRW) on Tuesday, July 11, hosted the group’s annual cookout with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Members of the CCRW, along with Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and members of his staff, served food at...
Hanceville council authorizes demolition of home
UPDATE: Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail clarified Saturday (7/15/23) evening, the property authorized to be demolished is a two-story apartment-style structure near the back of the property which was previously condemned due to fire.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Hanceville City Council at its meeting on Thursday,...
Cullman County EMA launching crisis communication team
CULLMAN, Ala. – A small collection of agencies representing news sources, first responders, local schools and city leaders – as well as some of the largest social media followings in the Cullman area – met Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Cullman County Sheriff’s...
City school board presents strategic plan, recognizes artist
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City School Board at its meeting on Thursday, July 13, recognized upcoming second-grader Arleigh Pearson, who won third place in the Two-Dimensional Art category at the 2023 State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Show as a first-grade student at Cullman City...
