Arrests and Incidents reported April 19, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 19, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 17
criminal mischief-3rd degree; Coca-Cola Bottling Co.; damaged machine;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 18, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 18, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 15
possession of dangerous drugs; possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 747
domestic violence; CR 425
domestic violence;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 17, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 17, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 15
retail theft of property-3rd degree; criminal trespass-3rd degree;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 16, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 16, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 11
retail theft of property-3rd degree; Wal-Mart; general merchandise;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 15, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 15, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 11
assault; CR 1482
domestic violence; CR 1528
assault; CR 1269
assault; Patton Dr.
obstructing government operations; domestic violence;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 12, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 12, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 7
domestic violence-3rd degree – harassment; person
April 10
theft by...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 11, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 11, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 9
domestic violence; CR 699
criminal mischief; CR 843
resisting arrest; CR 1699
harassment; CR 843
harassment; CR 1082
harassment;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 10, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 10, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 8
harassing communications; person
theft of property-2nd degree; person; miscellaneous;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 9, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 9, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 4
possession of dangerous drugs; possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1668
possession of drug paraphernalia; CR...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 8, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 8, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
No incidents reported.
Arrests
April 4 – April 7
Bartlett, Christy L. J.; 48
possession of marijuana-2nd degree
Brock, Leasa...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 5, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 5, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 3
criminal trespass-2nd degree; Wal-Mart; Olive St. SW
April 4
Harassment-doxing;...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 4, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 4, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 1
trafficking drugs; possession of dangerous drugs; possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; Hwy....
Arrests and Incidents reported April 3, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 3, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 1
theft of property-3rd degree; person; cash
theft of property-3rd...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 2, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 2, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 1
duty upon striking unattended vehicle; person; damage to...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 1, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 1, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 27
domestic violence; CR 1025
harassment; CR 747
harassment; CR 1715
violation of protection order; Corley St.
domestic violence;...
Arrests and Incidents reported March 29, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported March 29, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
March 27
robbery; person; Hwy. 157
March 28
theft of property-3rd degree;...
Arrests and Incidents reported March 28, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported March 28, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 25
possession of drug paraphernalia; Hwy. 278E
criminal mischief; CR 1435
theft of property; CR 541
permitting dogs...
Arrests and Incidents reported March 27, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported March 27, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
March 25
forgery-3rd degree; person; forged check
theft of property-3rd degree;...
Arrests and Incidents reported March 26, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported March 26, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No incidents or arrests reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
March 25
identity theft; person
theft of property-1st degree; person; cash;...
Arrests and Incidents reported March 25, 2024
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported March 25, 2024. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 21
harassment; violation of elder abuse; CR 569
possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; tampering...
Update: Officials weigh in on Wal-Mart automation investment
CULLMAN, Ala. – As The Tribune previously reported, the Cullman City Council on Monday night approved a $20 million tax abatement for Wal-Mart, which is planning a $350 million capital investment in the Wal-Mart Distribution Center in south Cullman. According to Cullman Economic Development...
Vehicle collision claims life of Vinemont woman, injures two others
VINEMONT, Ala. – Cullman County Coroner Jeremy Kilpatrick confirmed one fatality following a two-car collision in Vinemont.
According to Kilpatrick, Chessi Waddell, 47, of Vinemont was declared deceased on scene.
The two car collision occurred at the intersection of Hwy. 157 and CR 1246 in Vinemont....
All about seeds
Library hosts gardening event, announces seed swap
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Public Library recently hosted an event with the Cullman County Extension Office to give people tips on how to plan and plant a summer garden.
Cullman County Extension Coordinator Kira Sims covered site...
Reminder: Library hosting Teen Tech Week event today
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Public Library will host Teen Tech Week: 3Doodlers 3D Printing Pens today, Tuesday, March 7, at 3 p.m. This is a one-hour program for teens in which they can create a 3D design using a special 3D printing...
Survivor story: Noted human trafficking expert to offer training in Cullman County
CULLMAN, Ala. - Kathy Wilson, director of the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, announced that Amy Joy, a human trafficking survivor who went on to become a social worker, psychologist and lecturer on human trafficking response and prevention, will be in Cullman County...
‘Horticulture is my true love’
CULLMAN, Ala. - After almost four decades with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Cullman County Extension Coordinator Tony Glover is hanging up his hat. Glover has served ACES for 37 years and has led the Cullman office for the last 10.
In his final...
Always preparing
CULLMAN, Ala. – With the 10-year anniversary of the destructive April 27, 2011 tornadoes approaching, Cullman Electric Cooperative (CEC) hosted a meeting with local law enforcement and emergency management leaders Thursday to discuss the upcoming spring storm season and how things have changed since...
SGB shots available closer to home
CULLMAN, Ala. - Almost 90 Cullman area veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are enjoying the benefits of the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) shot that offers them a chance to “reset their brains,” in a manner of speaking. Through a partnership between...
‘If it weren’t for Him and prayer, I would not be here right now’
“Mom, God has this!” Those are the words that still go through Dr. Lance Boyd’s mind each day. Words his daughter Sadie said as she and the family were in the midst of Boyd experiencing a traumatic heart attack. Those words proved to be...
Cullman Police: Traffic crashes in city down 14.5% in 2020
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Police Department on Monday reported that vehicle crashes dropped to 839 in the city in 2020 from 982 in 2019, a reduction of approximately 14.5%. While traffic was thinned out at times by COVID-19 shutdowns, the department could also...
Dusty Baker leaving Commission on Aging: ‘It’s bittersweet.’
CULLMAN, Ala. - After six years leading the Cullman County Commission on Aging, Director Dusty Baker has stepped down. His last day will be Friday, Feb. 12, and he calls his decision “bittersweet.” The Tribune sat down with Baker Tuesday to learn more.
Baker said...
‘You’ve got to be thankful’
CULLMAN, Ala. – It has been almost a full year since former three-term (1987-2005) Cullman County District Attorney Len Brooks and his wife, June Brooks, the former chair of the Wallace State Community College Paralegal and Political Science Departments, walked off the Grand Princess...
In remembrance of Jay
CULLMAN, Ala. - Suzette was set up on a blind date at a karaoke place in Pensacola, Florida. A mutual friend arranged for her and Jay to meet, and the sparks flew right away. After meeting on that date in July 2005, they became...
Remembering Robert Squires
CULLMAN, Ala. - In its series that invites the community to remember its loved ones lost to COVID-19, The Tribune shares memories of Robert Dale Squires, known to many as the friendly face and hat expert at Victoria’s Hope Thrift and Treasures in Cullman.
After...
Where is the ammunition?
CULLMAN, Ala. - Across the country, hunters, sport shooters and citizens concerned about home or self-defense are scrambling to purchase ammunition, contending with empty shelves and long backorder lists. In the Cullman area, customers are lining up outside stores for a chance to purchase...
Finding their way home
CULLMAN, Ala. - When thunderstorms roll through Cullman County as they did Monday evening, inevitably there will be an increase in the number of lost and found pets in the area. Luckily, there are individuals out there who have taken their love for animals...
‘This truly is a historic moment’
Updated 1-19-21 1:06 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. - Seven months to the day after the Cullman Electric Cooperative announced Sprout Fiber Internet, the first customers were connected to the service- gigabit-speed internet- Monday morning.
“This is an exciting day for (the) Cullman Electric Co-op,” beamed Manager of...
‘Mission complete’: Col. Fallin, Team Johnny Mac reach Kilimanjaro summit, pass fundraising goal
TANZANIA - Col. Don Fallin, retired Army special operations aviator and Fairview High School alumnus, along with fellow United States Military Academy (USMA/West Point) graduates John Magness and Jamie Brennan, set off last week to reach the summit of Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro and raise...
‘Most aren’t aware of just how much he has done’
CULLMAN, Ala. – Longtime president of the Cullman County Association of Volunteer Fire Departments (CCAVFD), Joe Golden stepped down Thursday night after serving 15 years in the position. Although he will no longer head the association, Golden said he does not intend to stop...
Fairview’s Col. Donald Fallin begins climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro
TANZANIA - Army veteran and Fairview High School alumnus Col. Don Fallin and a team of fellow vets representing the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) began their ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro on Saturday, seeking to raise awareness and money for the fund, which honors...
Remembering Jerry Willibey
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family’s story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
CULLMAN, Ala. - “He was a pretty quiet guy. If you went into a room full of veterans and started...
Remembering Hermina Johnson
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family’s story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
VINEMONT, Ala. - After battling COVID-19 for a month, Hermina Johnson died Dec. 1, 2020. Johnson tested positive and was...
Remembering Wendell Guthrie
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family's story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
BAILEYTON, Ala.- And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that...
‘I try to keep it as natural as possible’
CULLMAN, Ala. - West Elementary second-grade teacher Kelly Hayes’ no. 1 passion is teaching, but from an early age, nutrition and the love of all things natural have also been particularly important.
Besides having a degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in exercise...
‘We could have this thing ended by the spring’
CULLMAN, Ala. – Dr. Scott Warner, a pulmonologist who practices at Chest Medicine of Cullman and who has advised community leaders on the COVID-19 pandemic offered a stark warning ahead of Christmas: the local health care system does not have the capacity to handle...
Christmas gifts with local flavor, part 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s local merchants are full of popular and unique Christmas gift ideas. Thursday, The Tribune stopped by a few more of the city’s local businesses in an effort to find out what’s hot this year and to give the last-minute shoppers...
Christmas gifts with local flavor
CULLMAN, Ala. - Christmas is almost here and last-minute shoppers are out and about or online looking for the perfect gifts for family and friends. Luckily for Cullman shoppers, there are many unique local shops that can help you find the best gifts this...
‘Christmas Star’: Astronomical phenomenon to be visible for 1st time in 800 years Dec. 21
CULLMAN, Ala. - An astronomical phenomenon is getting a lot of attention due to its proximity to Christmas on the calendar this year. Jupiter and Saturn’s orbits bring them into what appears to be a close pass of each other- known as a “great...
Col. Fallin’s new adventure: Local veteran takes on Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise scholarship funds
CULLMAN, Ala. - Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Fairview High School alumnus Don Fallin is planning his second endurance challenge fundraiser for the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) which honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, especially...
Unsung Hero: Nancy Bryant
CULLMAN, Ala. - Child advocacy and child abuse prevention agency Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) has enjoyed the service of Nancy Bryant for more than 20 years. The current assistant director joined CCK as a volunteer in August 2000 and has served as assistant...
Sheriff, chiefs say COVID impact minimal in their departments
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. - A Cullman County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant requested citizens attending this week’s Colony Town Council meeting to “Be in prayer for us. Got the COVID stuff going on. We have been hit hard . . . We were blessed the very...
More than 40 area veterans have received SGB shot to combat PTSD
CULLMAN, Ala. - A growing number of Cullman area veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are enjoying the benefits of the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) shot that offers them a chance to reset their brains, in a manner of speaking. Through Saving...
2020 Cullman Veterans Day Celebration could be biggest ever
CULLMAN, Ala. - In spite of the challenges of COVID-19, Cullman’s 2020 Veterans Day Celebration at Cullman Regional Airport Saturday, Nov. 7 could be the largest ever, according to the Cullman VFW’s Col. Ken Brown. This year’s event will include original WWII aircraft that...
No. 1 Bearcat fan
CULLMAN, Ala. - There were four seconds on the clock when the Cullman Bearcats sent kicker Brody Adams out for a possible game-winning field goal. While others might have been counting the Bearcats out before their exhilarating comeback over Muscle Shoals Friday night, Tina...
COMMUNITY MATTERS: Cullman Tribune Citizen of the Year: Ashley Wilson
The following was printed in The Cullman Tribune's special yearly edition, "Community Matters."
CULLMAN, Ala. - It takes a special person to turn unthinkable tragedy into something beautiful. Ashley Wilson did it, and for that reason she is The Cullman Tribune Citizen of the Year.
The...
Family of stabbing victim to state legislators: Change mandatory early release law
CULLMAN, Ala. - The family of murder victim Herndon “Junior” Self is appealing to Alabama’s legislators to review and amend the law that freed Self’s accused killer in a separate case only two days before the murder, despite his being denied parole in that...
‘A great day in Cullman and the state of Alabama’
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), City of Cullman, Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) and Cullman County’s legislative delegation on Thursday morning “broke ground” to mark the official launch of the construction project that will finally complete the four-lane expansion of...
Learning from one another: Cullman, Selma delegations meet to share ideas
CULLMAN, Ala. - A delegation from Selma traveled to Cullman Thursday to talk about how two remarkably different communities with polar opposite historical backgrounds might address differences and discuss future partnerships that allow each community to benefit from the successes of the other.
Sen. Garlan Gudger,...
‘Nothing can replace that’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Every business field and industry in the country has suffered from the effects of COVID-19 and the accompanying shutdown and restrictions, but the live entertainment event industry, which relies on revenue from packed arenas and theaters, has felt a particularly harsh...
Living with Lyme: Meet 12-year-old Madeline of Walter
WALTER, Ala. - When Madeline Hill was 4 years old, she spent a fun day with her family at a petting zoo in Key Largo, Florida. It was when the family returned home that evening that her mom, Becca, discovered a bullseye rash on...
‘He was an absolutely incredible human being’
BREMEN, Ala. - “He will always be remembered here at Cold Springs,” Cold Spring High School Principal Eric Dickerson said of the late Michael Parker. Parker passed away Friday, Aug. 28 at the age of 61. Parker, whose service was held Monday at Kinney...
Heroes Among Us: A look at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department
This is part 1 of a special series in which The Tribune will visit with each volunteer fire department across Cullman County.
FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Heroes live among us all throughout Cullman County. They are among the first on the scene when tragedy strikes,...
Empty buildings, full hearts
CULLMAN, Ala. - Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday extended Alabama’s Safer at Home Order through Oct. 2, meaning senior centers will remain closed. The centers have been shut down since March 16, leaving many area seniors lacking the daily interactions that filled their days....
‘I promise everybody it’s real’: Local man recounts experience with COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - “At first, I never had a bad fever. The highest it got was 102. I came home from work and I felt so weak that I couldn’t move. That day, I couldn’t hardly work because I had no energy. I laid...
Cullman City Schools Strategic Building Initiative includes new intermediate, middle schools, expanded primary school
Updated 8-20-20 at 11:25 p.m.
Cullman City School Board President Joey Orr originally said, "This past year, the timing and the rates were such that it made perfect sense to pass a bond issue. We did so for the value of $14 million."
She has...
ALDOT opens bids for Highway 157 4-lane project
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on July 31 opened bids for its project to widen Alabama Highway 157 through Cullman’s north side to four lanes- from just east of U.S. Highway 31 to just past Cullman Regional. A 3.5-mile stretch...
‘I think we’ve made some progress’
HOLLY POND, Ala. - With a long career of coaching and education behind him, and after serving one term as Holly Pond's mayor, “Coach” Bill Oliver chose not to run for re-election this year, saying, "It's someone else's turn to have all the fun."
The...
‘There is no manual for what to do next’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Since mid-March, the Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CCCDD)’s Margaret Jean Jones Center has not been able to operate its adult day program due to COVID-19.
On June 15, the Alabama Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities (ADMH-DDD)...
Holly Pond Bronco Band welcomes new director
HOLLY POND, Ala. - After three years under Evan Curtis, the Holly Pond Bronco Band welcomed a new director to the team just in time for band camp. Stephen Cook, a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a master's degree from the...
Honoring Mr. Heinze
CULLMAN, Ala. - St. Paul’s Lutheran School at its alumni dinner on Saturday evening presented retired teacher and longtime school/church organist Fred Heinze its first ever Impact Award for his “significant impact on the lives of the young people in our school community with...
‘It’s not going to slow us down’: Cullman County DHR continues to serve and recruit foster families during COVID-19 shutdowns, restrictions
CULLMAN, Ala. - Foster parents definitely fall under the definition of “essential” during the COVID-19 shutdown. Their work does not pause, their shifts do not end, and making kids “safer at home” was a guiding principle of their efforts long before coronavirus became a...
Partnering for mental health
SOUTH VINEMONT, Ala. - Haven Counseling Services and Good Samaritan Health Clinic cut the ribbon Friday morning at Haven’s office at 18291 U.S. Highway 31 in South Vinemont, to announce a new partnership between the two agencies and the Stephen K. Griffith (SKG) Memorial...
New NASA mission to Mars flies on Alabama-built rockets
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Thursday morning launched Mars 2020, a mission to send robotic rover Perseverance and experimental helicopter (a first in space exploration) Ingenuity toward a February 2021 landing on Mars, where, according to NASA,...
Band, club, sports fundraisers disrupted by COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - During a normal summer you are likely to see smiling and waving kids with signs for car washes, bake sales and other types of fundraisers all over town. This year, due to COVID-19, even the simple effort to raise money for...
‘Failure is not an option’
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has been fascinating kids and adults alike, giving the west side of Huntsville one of the most distinct skylines in the United States since its opening in 1970. The museum opened shortly after the second...
‘An absolute miracle’: Good Hope Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Garmon home recovering from H1N1 after monthslong hospital stay
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - This year, a lengthy and harrowing hospital stay had the Good Hope community rallying to support its volunteer fire department and the family of Assistant Chief Jamie Garmon. He finally got to come home in this month, "an absolute miracle,"...
DOJ recommends measures to respond to excessive use of force in Alabama prisons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released the results of a three-year (2016-19) investigation into claims that prisoners in Alabama’s state men’s prisons are routinely subjected to unconstitutionally excessive amounts of force by prison guards, saying that its study...
Summer safety: Preventing vehicular heatstroke
CULLMAN, Ala. - When it’s hot outside, it's important to remember not to leave anyone- person or pet- in a vehicle unattended. For tips about how to avoid a tragedy, The Tribune contacted Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper."With...
Duck River Reservoir: Looking back at the project, part 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - In July 2018, as officials awaited pending litigation over the Duck River Dam, the City of Cullman went forward with plans to open the 640-acre Duck River Reservoir to boats and fishers, and to open the entire 22 miles of interconnected...
Duck River Reservoir: Looking back at the project, part 1
CULLMAN, Ala. - Mayor Woody Jacobs announced Friday, July 17 that the city of Cullman has begun drawing water from the Duck River Reservoir to the city water treatment plant, and that the city is now receiving drinking water from the reservoir. During his...
Bountiful blueberries: Local, family-owned Bagwell Blueberry Farm a summer treat
CULLMAN, Ala. – Along County Road 721 in eastern Cullman County, you’ll find Bagwell Blueberry Farm. It’s a small farm owned by local couple Darrell and Karen Bagwell, who grow mainly blueberries, some blackberries and raspberries and some vegetables.
“My husband is from Walker County,”...
Ivey awards Cullman’s Cyber Broadband $1.33M to provide service in Baileyton, Joppa
CULLMAN, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she has awarded $2.9 million in grants to continue providing more Alabamians with access to high-speed internet services. The recipient of the largest grant is Cullman’s Cyber Broadband, Inc., which will receive $1.33 million to provide...
Local long-term care facilities respond to COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - Medical professionals continue to face the effects of COVID-19, especially in Alabama and parts of the Southeast, and the Cullman area’s medical facilities have not been immune. The Tribune reached out to ask how local nursing home and assisted living facilities are...
Truth in Nature: An outdoor ministry to fatherless boys
CULLMAN, Ala. - Brian and Beth Burchett knew when they bought their farm adjacent to the Bankhead National Forest that God had a greater purpose for them. They soon learned of a program, Truth in Nature, started in Georgia to teach life skills and...
Cullman EC launches Sprout Fiber Internet
Updated 6-18-20 at 3:38 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Electric Cooperative on Thursday announced big news for its customers: the launch of Sprout Fiber Internet. The need for internet access in rural areas of Cullman County has been a pressing issue, one that has...
‘I have 4 sons . . . Will I see them killed and no one cares?’
COLONY, Ala. - Colony’s mayor and town council, the county’s only currently-serving black elected officials, have a distinct perspective on recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd, the protests and riots that followed and life in Cullman County. The Tribune sat down with...
Defund or defend? Long, Gentry, Culpepper talk about current attitudes toward law enforcement
CULLMAN, Ala. - Life has recently become far more difficult for law enforcement officers across the country, as protest groups call for police agencies to be defunded and even dismantled, and political leaders in certain places have supported the movement. Some groups have called...
For the love of Claire: Local dad launches patient advocacy service
CULLMAN, Ala. - After working in health care for more than a decade, Cullman County resident Jeff Byars thought he had a firm grasp of the system when his daughter Claire was diagnosed with cancer at 7 months old. He was shocked to find...
42 years, more than 8K babies: Dr. Howard Williamson, beloved by his patients, retires
CULLMAN, Ala. - After 42 years practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Cullman, Dr. Howard Williamson recently retired. Williamson, who began practicing in 1978, estimates he has delivered more than 8,000 babies.
After taking a leave of absence due to COVID-19, he explained in a letter...
State health officer talks asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - The state’s top health official said Tuesday he was surprised when the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said Monday that transmission of the coronavirus by asymptomatic people is “very rare.” The WHO walked that statement back Tuesday, after...
WellStone to launch mobile mental health crisis response team in Cullman County
CULLMAN, Ala. - WellStone, provider of mental health services to Cullman and Madison Counties, sent notification to The Tribune on Monday that “a Mobile Crisis Team will officially be added to WellStone Cullman’s program list. An initiative led by Senator Garlan Gudger, the two-person...
More than 400 law enforcement officers injured in riots across U.S., 2 dead
UNITED STATES - The riots that have followed many peaceful protests across the country over the last several days have resulted in millions of dollars in damage and more than 9,000 arrests. They have also led to the deaths of at least two law...
‘Couple skate!’: Sports World Skate Center still truckin’ after all these years
VINEMONT, Ala. - While there may be many differences between older and younger generations, one thing surely everyone can agree on is some of their greatest memories are times spent with friends at the skating rink. The music and fashion have changed, but walking...
Sen. Doug Jones: ‘This is for long-term economic investment in a state like Alabama’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Recently, U.S. Senator Doug Jones, D-Alabama, a member of both the Senate Health and Banking Committees, introduced legislation to encourage businesses to build medical equipment in America. Jones has advocated jumpstarting this new sector within Alabama’s economy by incentivizing the reopening of idle factories...
Connection, interrupted: Baileyton residents express frustration over lack of internet services
BAILEYTON, Ala. - Frustrated Baileyton residents and leaders had an opportunity Monday night to speak with Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview and Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman regarding lack of internet in their area. Shedd and Gudger answered questions from their constituents and tried to reassure...
Local tattoo parlors following, establishing health guidelines for customers
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey last Friday announced the rollout of the next phase of her Safer at Home Order, “Proceeding with Caution,” effective Monday, May 11, 2020. These changes are in effect until May 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. As part...
Going places
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Fairview High School senior Mason Roberts has a lot to celebrate. Not only did he score a 35 on his ACT, he is also one of only two Cullman County students to be named a National Merit Finalist. Roberts, the son...
Duchess Bakery owner announces retirement; Future of bakery uncertain
CULLMAN, Ala. - For 81 years, The Duchess Bakery has been a Cullman landmark, its famous donuts attracting customers from all over Alabama. Owner Larry Bontrager has been at the bakery for 43 years, and after nearly a year of consideration, recently announced he...
Have still, will travel
CULLMAN, Ala. - Back in March, Gary “Sarge” Sargeant was just like many local business owners in Cullman. He worried about how COVID-19 and potential shutdowns would affect his motorcycle shop, Hawg Engineering. Little did he know that it would be his knowledge of...
Local gyms reopen to guests
CULLMAN, Ala. - After Governor Kay Ivey issued her amended Safer at Home Order last Friday, many local businesses began looking forward to reopening - including gyms and fitness centers. While many people have found ways to keep in shape and continue working out...
