I plan, next session, to bring a local bill to put a liquor tax on these alcohol sales. The bill will divide the tax money between county roads, schools and law enforcement.”
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Senate and House of Representatives recently passed Senate Bill 322, which will allow alcoholic beverages to be served at marinas...
MONTGOMERY – House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R- Rainsville on Wednesday announced that State Rep. Corey Harbison, R– Good Hope has been appointed as a member of the House Republican Caucus Whip Team.
“The House Republican Whip Team serves as the leadership’s eyes, ears, and voice on the chamber floor when we are in session,” Ledbetter said. “It is important...
MONTGOMERY – House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R- Rainsville on Wednesday announced that Rep. Randall Shedd, R- Fairview has been appointed as a member of the Republican Caucus Steering Committee, one of the highest leadership posts in the Caucus structure.
“The House Republican Caucus Steering Committee helps set our legislative priorities, recommends the policies that the GOP supermajority should support,...
BIRMINGHAM - The Division of Music in Samford University's School of the Arts celebrated the talents of students, and presented multiple awards and scholarships provided by generous patrons at the annual honors recital.
The longstanding tradition included performances by eight students, and awards presented by faculty members Kathryn Fouse, Joseph Hopkins, Donald Sanders, Eric Mathis and Sharon Lawhon.
Brooke Noe Proctor,...
JACKSONVILLE - Several students from the Cullman area made the President's or Dean's List at Jacksonville State University in spring 2017, including the following:
Joshua Ray Wilson, of Baileyton: Dean's List
Micheal E. Myrick, of Bremen: Dean's List
Rachel Suzanne Hilb, of Cullman: Dean's List
John James Sterling, of Cullman: Dean's List
Katelyn Ann Downs, of Cullman: President's List
Aspyn Leigh Seely, of Cullman: President's...
HANCEVILLE - The nation recently celebrated National EMS Week, May 21-27; now, Wallace State Community College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program is looking forward to the arrival of a state-of-the-art tool that will help their students as they prepare to take to the streets.
A simulator will soon be arriving on campus that will put students in the back of...
CULLMAN - The Cullman City and County School Boards have released end-of-year statements concerning personnel movements, including more than 30 retirements from the county system.
In an unusual personnel transfer, Principal Kim Brown of Hanceville Elementary School will take charge of Vinemont Elementary School, as Vinemont ES Principal Tony Johnson takes Brown’s place in Hanceville.
Below are the changes reported:
Retirements (County...
HANCEVILLE - The Department of Nursing Education at Wallace State Community College will host two separate adult health and wellness fairs in June to give area residents the opportunity to get information about living a healthy lifestyle. On June 7 and June 14, the CELEBRATE Adult Health and Wellness Fair will be held in the conference center for the...
TROY - Troy University is proud to announce students who completed the requirements for graduation during the spring 2017 semester at the Troy Campus.
Local residents who graduated include:
Kelsey McCluskey, of Crane Hill- Bachelor of Science
Zachary Douglas of Vinemont- Bachelor of Science
Jenna Swafford, of Cullman- Bachelor of Science
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with more than...
BIRMINGHAM - Samford University's Orlean Beeson School of Education held its annual award ceremony May 4 to recognize the many accomplishments of the school's undergraduate teacher education students. Twelve scholarships totaling more than $35,000 were awarded to students pursuing a career in teacher education.
Jacklyn Keller, a senior elementary, special education, early childhood collaborative major from Vinemont, received the Ralph...
New Gator ATV: On the driver’s side, firefighters can access hoses and pumps, as well as water and foam tanks.
HANCEVILLE - After several months of anticipation, the Hanceville Fire Department (HFD) unveiled its newest piece of firefighting equipment recently: a modified four-seat John Deere Gator ATV outfitted for deep woods firefighting and rescue operations. Assistant Fire Chief Bart Absher...
CULLMAN - All Cullman City and County offices will be closed tomorrow, Monday, May 29, 2017, in observance of Memorial Day.
City residential and commercial sanitation schedules will run as normal on Monday, as will Cullman County sanitation.
Cullman County offices will also be closed on Monday, June 5 in observance of the birthday of Jefferson Davis. Sanitation will run as...
BIRMINGHAM - Hannah Proctor, a senior piano pedagogy major from Hanceville, is one of 30 new members of Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society at Samford University.
Omicron Delta Kappa recognizes and encourages superior leadership and exemplary character, and encourages collaboration among members across five phases: scholarship, athletics, service, communications and arts.
Founded in 1914 at Washington and Lee University,...
CULLMAN - Three people had to be extricated from a home on Cullman's west side overnight after the powerful storms that pounded the area left a tree down on a house.
"At approximately 2:30 a.m. Cullman Fire Rescue was dispatched to a home in the 1300 block of Dripping Springs Road Northwest," said CFR's Brian Bradberry. " Engine 1 arrived...
JACKSONVILLE - More than 700 students received degrees at Jacksonville State University's spring 2017 commencement. Graduates from the Cullman area include:
Mitchell Benton IV, of Cullman - B.S. in marketing
Joanna L. Gobbell, of Cullman - B.A. in biology
Jessica A. Lowe, of Holly Pond - B.S.W. in social work
Aspyn L. Seely, of Cullman - B.S. in criminal justice
John J. Sterling, of...
Welti Elementary School honor roll
Third Nine Weeks
All A’s
First Grade: Weston Barnett, Dracen Bates, Kassidy Hooper, My Houston, Henry Jennings, Ally Johnson, Hunter Linton, Leighton McGriff, Ethan Morrow, Marlee Phares, Aeron Pierce, Keegan Stricklin, Pyper Turner and Taryn White.
Second Grade: Riggs Fulmer, Mattie Claire Keith, Lilly Lindsey, Brooklyn Merriman, Katelyn O’Rear, Addison Phillips, Jordan Pierce and Samantha Simmons.
Third Grade: Morgan...
St. Bernard Preparatory graduation will be Sunday, May 28, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Abbey Church.
“God has blessed us by your presence on this campus. May he bless you as you walk into the adventure of life ahead.”
Proudly, Father Joel Martin, O.S.B., school president
First row, (left to right): Yujin Lee, Caitlyn Norman, Anna Myers, Isabella Cline and...
Can you say brain freeze? Festival-goers compete in an ice cream eating contest.
CULLMAN - Crowds turned out today for what has been seen for many years as the official summer kick-off event for the area: the Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Weekend Festival.
The festival, organized and presented by Cullman County Parks and Recreation, featured entertainment from several local artists...
Local veterans place a wreath at the Veterans’ Park World War I monument.
CULLMAN - Veterans’ Park at Sportsman Lake was the site of solemn remembrance Saturday morning, as area veterans and their families, local dignitaries and others gathered to mark the upcoming Memorial Day and remember those who gave their lives in the armed services of the United States. ...
Cullman City Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, center, at an event this February/Tribune file photo
There are times we get to go into situations where the kid has to be like I was sometimes when I was younger, where they have to be the adult and we help them get somewhere they can be the kid again. Those are the moments...
Saint Bernard Prep School is pleased to announce that senior Dominic Pautler has received the CRESCANT Scholarship at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont, North Carolina.
The CRESCANT Scholarship is given every four years and is highly competitive, based on a student’s resume, including athletic accomplishments. Valued at $123,176, this scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and a $4,000 allowance...
Grace Hollis, the recipient of the Joe Wayne and Kathryn Maddox Education Scholarship, spoke at the Wallace State Community College Future Foundation’s Scholarship Celebration Breakfast.
HANCEVILLE - The Wallace State Community College Future Foundation recently hosted its fourth Scholarship Celebration Breakfast, during which it was announced the Foundation would be awarding almost $100,000 in scholarships to 80 students for the...
Cullman High School graduation will be on Friday, May 26 at 7 p.m. in Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
"Congratulations to the Class of 2017! Your hard work has paid off and your future is bright. Make the most of each day, work hard, be kind and love others. As always, Go BEARCATS!"
Principal Kim Hall
Student...
CULLMAN - If you noticed a heavy police presence in the 700 block of Third Avenue Southeast early this afternoon, there is no cause for alarm.
Cullman City Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said, "We received a call of shots fired, and the caller said there were multiple shots fired, so we were concerned." When cops arrived, the situation was not...
Saint Bernard senior Paul Schartung has received a Congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy.
Lt. Commander William Cook, Blue and Gold Officer, recognized Schartung at Saint Bernard’s honors ceremony earlier this month.
Schartung also received the Benedictine Medal of Merit Award, which recognizes a life characterized by Christian love shown through one's daily good example of true selflessness and...
Graduation will be Friday, May 26 at 6 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Decatur.
First row, l-r: Maddie Grace Giers, Tyler Brock, Katelyn Reeves, Ashley Terry, Michaela Sutherland and Emma Thompson
Second row, l-r: Brilye Speegle, Adria Latta
Third row, l-r: Grace Walker, Clara Lanier, Nathan Woodard, Deborah Soloman and Abbie Clemons
Fourth row, l-r: Charis Freeman, Micah Freeman
Fifth row, l-r: Lori...
The Hanceville City Hall conference room was nearly full for the presentation.
HANCEVILLE - Before its regular meeting Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council welcomed Joey Hester from the North Central Alabama Council of Governments (NARCOG) and Trisha Black from Main Street Alabama (MSA), who talked about what those two organizations’ programs, along with Alabama Communities of Excellence (ACE) accreditation,...
CULLMAN - Former Alabama Crimson Tide star Jeremiah Castille's popular camp is coming back to town. The 10th annual Jeremiah Castille Character Camp will take place on June 10 at Heritage Park in Cullman. The camp, put on through the Jeremiah Castille Foundation, is free and geared toward kids in grades 1-12.
“We call them character camps,” Castille told The...
COLONY - The Colony Town Council met this week, and the big topics of discussion were the town’s Memorial Day celebration and slate of upcoming summer kids’ activities, including a free meal program.
This Saturday, May 27 at 8 a.m., the town will host a breakfast for all area veterans at the Colony Educational Complex. Former State Rep., Rev. James...
Graduation will be on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 8 p.m. at AG Hicks Stadium.
“As always we at Addison have another outstanding senior class. This group has excelled academically and athletically. Because of their competitive spirit and desire to win, I believe they will succeed in life. When faced with challenges and adversity, they will rise to the occasion...
Graduation will be Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 6 p.m. in the Meek High School gym.
“The faculty and I wish you the best of luck as you make your own way in this life. Always remember: the world is what you make it. Make good choices, and positive outcomes should follow. Never forget that love conquers all, and forgiveness...
CULLMAN COUNTY - Through a federally-funded program co-sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cullman County children and teens will have the opportunity to eat free breakfasts and lunches this summer.
According to the program’s website, “Break for a Plate” is “a federally-funded, state-administered program. It reimburses providers who serve free, healthy meals...
Vinemont High School Principal Ferrell Runge, left and Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette at the May 22, 2017 school board meeting.
VINEMONT - Two big changes are coming to Vinemont High School for the 2017-2018 school year. The school will have a new principal and a new head football coach.
Principal Ferrell Runge this week announced his retirement, effective June...
NASA spokespersons, in the foreground, show how large the engine section and tank simulator are.
HUNTSVILLE - Last week, a barge arrived at Redstone Arsenal, carrying what NASA calls a “test article” for its Space Launch System (SLS) that will help pave the way for manned missions to Mars. The Tribune was among a small group of outlets that attended...
TROY - Troy University is pleased to announce students who have been named to the Chancellor's List for the spring semester and Term 4 of the 2016/2017 academic year.
Those from the Cullman area who made the list include:
Emily Oden, of Cullman
Allyson Waldrop, of Hanceville
Oakleigh White, of Cullman
Daniel Moss, of Vinemont
Full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12...
Guests went all out, dressing up for the Denim and Diamonds Preakness Party.
CULLMAN - Recently, a crowd of around 175 gathered for the Hope Horses, Inc. (HH) Denim and Diamonds Preakness Party to watch the Preakness Stakes horse race, and help HH raise funds to support its mission of providing equestrian experiences to the Cullman area special needs community.
HH...
Christian Service Award winner Sam Chiodo, Headmaster Dan Baillargeon and Father Bede Marcy
CULLMAN - At ceremonies held in the Fazi-Richard Athletic Center on May 11, 2017, students of St. Bernard Preparatory School were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during the 2016-17 academic year. Headmaster Dan Baillargeon opened the evening with prayer and served as master of ceremonies. Mary...
Double Purple Heart recipient and Vietnam veteran Steve Larsen (right) of Holly Pond received a Wounded Warrior Coin and certificate from Ken Brown (left), president of the Cullman chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution during a meeting Monday evening.
To submit a community note, email news@cullmansense.com.
Flags displayed along Highway 31 in 2016, put out by members of VFW Post 2214/Image courtesy of Ken Brown
CULLMAN - Cullman’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 has several activities planned for this year’s Memorial Day remembrance.
According to Post Vice Commander, retired Air Force Col. Ken Brown, things will get started on Thursday morning, May 25.
Cullman City Cemetery
A group...
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council held a special session today, during which it approved the event and noise permits for Rock the South and other requests. Mayor Woody Jacobs and Councilman John Cook were absent, both away on business at other events.
With not too many days to go until the highly publicized and attended event takes place, Nathan...
CULLMAN COUNTY - The Cullman County Sheriff's Office is warning citizens of a phone scam currently being perpetrated throughout the area.
A statement from the sheriff's office reads:
The Cullman County Sheriff's Office has received several calls, reports and social media messages from citizens who are getting scam calls from people who claim to be with different government agencies all wanting...
Lawton and Bertha Mae Waldrep will celebrate their 71st Wedding Anniversary on June 1.
Lawton Waldrep was in the Navy and served in World War II. He went to Sasebo, Japan and Shanghai, China. He traveled on a ship called the “Henry A. Wiley” and returned home on the “McCook.” After returning home, he worked at Cullman Products for 31...
Cullman County Commission meeting
CULLMAN - Seating was scarce at the Cullman County Commission meeting this week, as several community representatives came to speak at the public hearing regarding the closing of a portion of County Road 1615 in Berlin. Before the hearing, the commission needed to consider two points of business regarding abatements. The first was an approval for...
William Evan Curtis
HOLLY POND - After 25 years on the job, many awards and a generation of loving former students, Luette Benefield has left behind a big pair of shoes to fill at Holly Pond High School (HPHS). A young man born about the time Benefield came to Holly Pond is stepping up to the plate.
William Evan Curtis is...
St. Bernard’s Joyce Nix, center, receives the Tourism Professional of the Year Award from John Hunt, left, and T.J. Franey, right, during Tuesday’s Tourism & Community Improvement Awards. Nix is the longtime director of the well-renowned Bloomin’ Festival. John Hunt, of TP Country Club, is the incoming tourism chair, and Franey, of Cullman County Schools, is the 2016-17 tourism...
A local citizen scores well with her .45 revolver as Sgt. David Nunn looks on.
CULLMAN - For two days during the last week, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) offered a free firearms safety and marksmanship class for local citizens. On Tuesday evening, deputies conducted a classroom session, followed by live fire exercises at the CCSO firing range Saturday...
HANCEVILLE - On Thursday afternoon, the North Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) and Main Street Alabama will be holding a special meeting in Hanceville to talk about plans for city development. Both organizations help municipalities with long-term economic planning and development.
On Monday, NARCOG released the following invitation:
“The community is invited to attend a meeting to learn about the...
Curt Wilson
CULLMAN - Ashley Wilson, the mother of Cullman High School student Curtis James Wilson, 15, who died May 7 as a result of injuries sustained in a car wreck that same evening, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bradford Neal Meeks, 27, of Cullman, the driver of the car that collided head-on with the Wilsons' vehicle. Additionally, the...
Congratulations to Saint Bernard Prep School’s Andrew Sweeney for being selected to compete in the North-South All-Star cross country race to be held in Montgomery on July 19. It is the first year that cross country will be a part of the annual All-Star Sports Week Competition.
Sweeney is one of only 20 high school juniors from across the state...
Vinemont High School Principal Ferrell Runge, CCBOE Superintendent Shane Barnette, VHS Salutatorian Alex Millwood, VHS Valedictorian Landen Ballew and CCBOE member Mike Graves
CULLMAN - It was standing room only at the Cullman County Board of Education Monday evening, as the board recognized the achievements of students from all county high schools.
2017 valedictorians and salutatorians
Cold Springs: Jesse Lee, valedictorian; Tucker...
Pictured L-R: Lioness Judy Waldrep (board of directors), Lioness Mary Daniel (2nd vice president), Mayor Woody Jacobs, Lioness Jane Rooker (president) and Lioness Penny Burkett (treasurer)
CULLMAN - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs recently presented members of the Cullman Lioness Club with a certificate honoring the club for its 40th anniversary. Lionesses on hand to receive the certificate from Jacobs were...
BREMEN - Spring football at Cold Springs was to be concluded last Friday with a jamboree game at Holly Pond. That changed after the death of senior Nicholas Johnson on May 18. Johnson sustained injuries in a car wreck on County Road 222 May 12. He passed away two days prior to the school's graduation ceremony.
Administrators and coaches from...
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Sec. Fitzgerald Washington announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, down from March’s rate of 5.8 percent, and well below April 2016’s rate of 5.8 percent. Cullman County maintains the state’s third-lowest rate, at 3.7 percent, down substantially from March’s rate of 4.5 percent.
April’s statewide rate represents...
Ally Grund and Aaron Moyland
FAIRVIEW - If you want classical theater in this part of the country, there’s no place like the Alabama Shakespeare Festival (ASF) in Montgomery. For two Fairview High School seniors, it is their immediate post-graduation destination.
After auditions at four locations around the state, and a callback to the ASF headquarters in Montgomery, Aaron Moyland and...
Graduation will be on Sunday, May 21 at 4 p.m. at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“I want to wish all the Classes of 2017 the best of luck. You are moving on to your next milestone in life. It is my wish that all your hopes and dreams come true. I encourage you to make...
Graduation will be on Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“Congratulations to the senior class of 2017. I want to personally wish you the best in the future as you begin a new chapter in life. Never lose sight of your dreams and always work to do your best in...
Cullman Christian School held its graduation on Thursday, May 18 at Christ Covenant Presbyterian Church.
“Congratulations to Hope and Abby on their graduation from Cullman Christian School. These two young ladies have been a blessing to our school. As they start the next season in their lives I want to encourage them to seek God first in all they do....
The Cullman County Child Development Center held its graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 18 in the CDC gym.
“The day of graduation marks a special time of completion and beginning in a person's life. The CDC graduates, parents, CDC faculty and staff should feel a sense of great pride and take time to enjoy this time. So many people have...
Graduation will be on Saturday, May 20 at 6 p.m., at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“It is hard to believe that we have almost completed another year. The graduating class of 2017 is special in many different ways. The most special part of this class is their character and commitment to success. It has been...
Graduation will be on Saturday, May 20 at 4 p.m., at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“I would to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2017 graduating class of Holly Pond High School. You have worked hard and accomplished many great things over the past 13 years. You have excelled in the classroom and in your...
Graduation will be on Saturday, May 20 at 2 p.m., at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“I want to wish the senior class from Good Hope High School the best of luck as they graduate and move into their college and adult lives. I hope they never look back with longing and regret but look ahead...
Graduation will be on Saturday, May 20 at noon, at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“Congratulations Cold Springs High School Class of 2017 graduates – You made it! I want to express my congratulations to each member of the 2017 graduating class on successfully completing an important milestone in what will be just one of many...
Graduation will be on Saturday, May 20 at 10 a.m., at Tom Drake Coliseum on the campus of Wallace State.
“To the graduating class of 2017, your accomplishments and success are felt by those who are following you. The faculty of Hanceville High School is very proud of each of you and wish future success in your next step of...
Dayden Floyd, wearing Bronco green, was honored for saving the life of a young child at Lake Guntersville on Mother’s Day. Image courtesy of WBRC FOX6 News.
HOLLY POND - The word "courage" can mean different things to different people. For some, it means doing something difficult or frightening despite being afraid, like a super hero coming to save the...
CULLMAN - As a way to bring the community together, the Cullman Police Department (CPD) worked with Cullman Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (CCFD) to hold a free cookout for Cullman residents on Friday. Members of the CPD and CCFD say they hope to make sure this an annual event. This year's cookout drew a larger crowd than expected, as...
Update 5/19/17 9:10 p.m.
According to Cullman Fire Rescue's Brian Bradberry, the fire involved an RV, and the fire is out at this time. Bradberry says three people were transported to an area hospital with injuries.
"The condition of the burn victims is unknown at this time," said Bradberry.
CULLMAN - A vehicle fire at 113 Lincoln Ave. SW, west of the...
Photo of Nick Johnson's empty chair at Cold Springs High School's awards day./Image provided by family.
Editor's note: Edited to update time of passing and add mother's name.
CULLMAN COUNTY – Cold Springs senior Nick Johnson, 18, passed away midday yesterday, May 18, at UAB Hospital, according to family. Johnson, of Crane HIll, was involved in a single-vehicle car wreck on May 12 on County...
CULLMAN - A local doctor was arrested for shoplifting recently, according to reports from the Cullman Police Department. Mir Kwon Wu Varquez, 59, was arrested on May 10 and charged with fourth-degree theft of property/shoplifting, a Class A misdemeanor.
Police Chief Kenny Culpepper says the incident occurred at the Wal-Mart store on Highway 157.
Varquez is a cardiologist at Cullman Heart & Urgent...
Nurse Aide students pictured: (front row left to right) Amber Rodgers, Cassity Humes, Sydney Dodson, Diana Tepetate and Allie Mooney. (back row left to right) Emily James, Braelynn Echelbarger, Lexus White and Fancie Boatright.
The following article was submitted by the Cullman County Board of Education's Dr. TJ Franey and is being run in its entirety.
CULLMAN - The Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) Health Science program provides high school...
Nathaniel Butler (left), Lucy Michaus Chavez, and Amy Hill, are three of several graduates of the Class of 2017 from Wallace State Community College’s Child Development program, the first cohort to complete the new online format of the program.
HANCEVILLE — The 2017 graduating class at Wallace State Community College included the first students to take advantage of the new online...
Leadership Graduation (pictured above)
The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2016-17 Leadership Cullman County class, sponsored by The Final Touch, celebrated its graduation Tuesday, May 9 at TP Country Club.
Pictured, from left to right, are Eric Ponder, Rehau; Brian Dove, Cullman-Jefferson Counties Gas District; Rev. Raul Dominguez, First United Methodist Church; Magan Bartlett, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce; Jennifer Taylor, Congressman...
BREMEN - Two people lost their lives this morning in a fiery crash in the 500 block of County Road 109 near Bremen.
State troopers say the wreck happened at approximately 9:10 a.m., when a single vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree and burned. There were two occupants inside.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick confirmed there were two fatalities....
Photo of Nick Johnson's empty chair at Cold Springs High School's awards day./Image provided by family.
CULLMAN COUNTY - At what is supposed to be a joyous time in the life of a high school senior, friends and family of Nick Johnson, 18, of Crane Hill, who was slated to graduate this weekend from Cold Springs High School, are instead...
CULLMAN - As the summer season picks up and schools let out, the rivers and lakes around the county will fill up with swimmers and boats. It is a hot-weather tradition to cool off in the water. However, a major danger that seemingly goes under-reported each year is electric shock drowning (ESD).
“Electric shock drowning is a significant problem and...
Col. Ken Brown, president of the Cullman chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) presented the SAR Bronze Medal of Achievement to JROTC Cadet Staci Prater of West Point at Tuesday's graduation ceremony for students of the Cullman Area Technology Academy in Vinemont. The award recognizes her outstanding leadership qualities and military bearing.
To submit a community note,...
The West Point Town Council discusses development projects at this week's meeting.
WEST POINT - With plans to increase housing in the area to accommodate new businesses and residents, West Point's Town Council sat down for a lengthy discussion this week about the possible development of a new subdivision. From the Cullman Association of Realtors, Beverly Hinkle and Realtor Scott...
CULLMAN - Following a recent undercover operation led by Cullman City Police Department (CPD) Investigator Justin Craft, Daniel Reece Mann, 27, of Addison was arrested and charged with trafficking in illegal drugs.
The operation took place in the city of Cullman, where Craft was assisted by Investigators Becky Boyd and Scott Sanford, Patrol Sgt. Chris Thomason, Officer Trey Higginbotham and...
Kenneth Loyd Woods, left and Joshua Dwayne Aker, right
CULLMAN COUNTY - Two Cullman County men were arrested in the past week in unrelated incidences for multiple sex offenses. Kenneth Loyd Woods, 49, of Fairview was arrested and charged with second-degree rape, two counts of electronic solicitation of a child and two counts of transmitting obscene material to a child....
Cullman City School Board Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson and members of the board listen as Mayor Woody Jacobs speaks.
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council and Cullman City School Board held a joint, informal round table discussion Monday about several shared concerns, including traffic congestion and annexation. It was not a policy-making session for either body, rather an opportunity for...
Update 5-16-17 10:18 a.m.
Everyday activities have resumed at the Cullman County Courthouse, according to Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, who says the building is secure following this morning's bomb threat and evacuation.
"We received a call around 9 a.m. this morning about someone blowing up the courthouse," said Gentry. "We responded, along with the Cullman City Police, Cullman County...
Peggy Smith, left, and Dale Greer/Images courtesy of Cullman Economic Development
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council on Monday evening announced the retirement of Peggy Smith, longtime director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA). Smith, who has served in the position for more than 30 years, will retire effective June 1. She announced her retirement in the work session...
Helen Duke/Image provided by family
GOOD HOPE - State Trooper and Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Public Information Officer Curtis Summerville late Monday afternoon said the agency still has no definite description of the vehicle that struck and killed Helen Virginia Duke, 75 on Sunday. "We have no idea of the make, model or color," he said. "All we know...
Dr. Lee Walton, philosophy and religion instructor, is presented the Most Likely to be a Stand-Up Comic award by Phi Theta Kappa member Angela Mernetti during the club’s WSCC Faculty Awards presentation.
HANCEVILLE - Members of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Alpha Chi Tau chapter at Wallace State Community College recently treated faculty members to breakfast and an awards ceremony...
CULLMAN - Former Cullman County Commission Chairman James Graves, arrested and charged Wednesday, May 10 with felony first-degree sexual abuse of a minor, has made bond. Cullman County Circuit Clerk Lisa McSwain confirmed Monday morning that Graves bonded out on Friday. His bond was $15,000 cash. McSwain says Graves's preliminary hearing has been set for May 22 at 9...
CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department is hosting a community cookout this Friday, May 19 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Festhalle downtown. The cookout, sponsored by Cullman Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, is free and everyone is welcome.
Cullman Police Sgt. Adam Clark is one of the organizers of the event and is excited to reinstate something he hopes will...
Danny McAfee, left, shares a laugh with Dyron's Lowcountry Chef Randall Baldwin, right. Dyron Powell, owner of Dyron's Lowcountry, is shown in the background chatting with guest Billy Troutman.
CULLMAN - Once again Cullman has shown its true colors, and they don’t run in the rain. This year’s Dinner on First event was moved into a long unused warehouse on...
Updated 5-14-17 8:10 p.m.
State Trooper Curtis Summerville has released an official statement on today's fatal hit-and-run incident. See his statement in full below:
"A single-vehicle crash today, May 14, has left a pedestrian dead. Helen Virginia Duke, 75, of Cullman was killed when she was struck by an unknown vehicle which fled the scene. Troopers were notified of the crash...
First-place team, The Tennessee Valley Elite, l-r: Joey Franklin, Chase Prater, Jake Guthrie, Tucker Adkison and Jackson Tucker
CULLMAN - The fourth annual Nicholas Fillinger Memorial Run was held Saturday morning on the campus of St. Bernard Preparatory School. Many friends, family and community members gathered at the school to honor Nicholas’s memory in the best way possible, by running....
Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, left, with academic scholarship recipients Lexi Byrd and Jarrett Sherrill
HANCEVILLE - Area students awarded scholarships by Wallace State Community College in Hanceville were recognized during a ceremony on campus recently.
“We want to express our gratitude to you for choosing Wallace State,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “You’re so great you could go...
The first two runners to cross the finish line
CULLMAN - Mile and 5K runs are a popular pastime, especially as the weather heats up. Many local organizations hold these runs as fundraisers or methods of bringing awareness to a cause, while others hold them simply because they want to provide people with some fun. Around town, they range from...
Respiratory Therapy graduates Anna Ivey and Emma Moore wave to the crowd during commencement exercises Friday at Wallace State Community College.
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College in Hanceville and President Dr. Vicki Karolewics celebrated the college’s 51st anniversary commencement at Tom Drake Coliseum Friday. More than 500 students participated in the ceremony while nearly 1,300 earned degrees or certificates...
VINEMONT - A short agenda doesn't necessarily mean little discussion. Such was the case at this week’s Vinemont Town Council meeting, when council members put considerable thought and deliberation into matters regarding the upkeep and general maintenance of the town's ball park and roads.
The only item discussed under new business was lighting at the ball park. Nine light installations...
GOOD HOPE - As a way of protecting its citizens from scams and con artists, the Good Hope City Council will be considering ordinances for door-to-door sales. The discussion was put on the table after a quick and efficient series of council member reports at this week’s meeting. Councilman John Harris had nothing to report since the financials were...
Debbie Matthews recently announced her retirement from the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center. During Debbie’s 10 years at the Chamber, she has served as receptionist and executive assistant to the president. Before joining the Chamber staff, Debbie wrote a number of novels and worked for the State of Alabama and Cullman Economic Development Agency. She plans to...
Students in the Agriculture/Horticulture Production program at Wallace State Community College plant flowers in a median on the college campus.
HANCEVILLE - Students in Wallace State’s Agriculture and Horticulture program put lessons to work recently as they spruced up campus, clearing up plant beds and planting flowers.
The students spread out across campus, working in flower beds at the library, around...
Councilwomen Kim Brown and Sharon Porter were out Thursday evening.
HANCEVILLE - At its regular meeting Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council voted to allow incoming automotive instrument and gauge manufacturer Met-South a tax abatement expected to total approximately $400,000. Stanley Kennedy of the Cullman Economic Development Agency advised the council, and presented the paperwork that would bring the abatement...
Councilwoman Myra Twitty (center) poses for her last photo as a member of the Colony Town Council with Clerk Patricia Ponder, Curtis Johnson, Mayor Donnis Leeth and Jamelle Dimbo.
COLONY - At its regular meeting this week, the Colony Town Council received the resignation of Councilwoman Myra Twitty.
The parting was not over any conflict. With her granddaughter by her side,...
CULLMAN - The investigation continues into the fatal car crash that claimed the life of Cullman High School student and athlete Curtis James Wilson,15, Sunday evening. A report from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on Monday stated, "Although the circumstances surrounding the crash are still under investigation, preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor in the...
FAIRVIEW - Like many school-sponsored clubs and organizations this time of year, Fairview High School's Theatre Works is drawing the curtains on its performances until school starts back. The group’s latest was meant to be an incredible double-performance of “The Wizard of Oz” by the middle school and “Jerry Finnegan's Sister” by the high school; however, unfortunate circumstances prevented...
Revised map of proposed Berlin town limits
BERLIN - The movement to incorporate the Berlin community into a town now faces a deadline: Friday, June 9. After that day, signatures will no longer be accepted for the incorporation petition. The effort will then move toward setting up a special election in the fall.
According to Patrick Bates, who heads up the...
