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...
Katie Speer (left) with Assistant Vice President for Athletics Marsha Ford
MARION - Three Cullman-area students were recognized at Judson College’s recent Honors Convocation. The ceremony honored students who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in academics and in service at the college.
Freshman Jordan Hooks of Cullman received the Outstanding Student in 100-Level Spanish Award.
Senior Katie Owens of Hanceville was...
2017 Foundation Scholarship recipients, along with recipients from 2015-16. Back L-R: 2016 recipient Marissa Woodall, 2016 recipient Kayley Fortner, Tristan Stancil, Emily James, Blake Driver, Alex Hernandez, Tanner Duke
Front L-R: Maggie Stewart, Dawson Foust, 2015 recipient and speaker Lauren James, Ross Crocker, Shelby Lynn
CULLMAN - The Cullman Savings Bank Foundation on Wednesday presented scholarships to selected area students during...
Vinemont senior Seth Campbell presents Good Samaritan’s Jolanda Hutson a check for $453.
VINEMONT - On Wednesday morning, the Vinemont High School (VHS) Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) welcomed Jolanda Hutson of Cullman’s Good Samaritan Clinic, and presented her with a check for $453 raised at recent fundraising events, including a “hat day” at the school and a car wash. ...
James Graves
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Republican Party announced Wednesday afternoon that its executive committee has voted to remove James Graves from its ranks. The move by the county GOP follows Graves’s arrest Wednesday morning. According to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), Graves was arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse. The charge is a felony.
Graves, 74, is...
CULLMAN COUNTY - Former Cullman County Commission Chairman James Donald Graves, 74, of Vinemont, has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse after allegedly molesting a minor. The charge is a felony.
Graves was elected Chairman of the Cullman County Commission in 2008 and served until he was defeated by current Chairman Kenneth Walker in 2012.
According the Cullman County...
Kenya Relief Founder Steve James to be honored with Distinguished Alumni Award
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College and its president Dr. Vicki Karolewics will host commencement exercises on Friday, May 12, 2017, at Tom Drake Coliseum, starting at 6 p.m. More than 500 students are expected to participate in the ceremony, with nearly 1,300 earning degrees and certificates as...
Image by Soulful Snaps & Leslie Dyer- Last year’s Dinner on First
CULLMAN - On Friday evening, May 12, the Cullman City Parks and Recreation (CP&R) Foundation will set a table for 300. The event, Dinner on First, was to be outdoors along First Avenue in the Warehouse District; however, Mother Nature had different plans. Due to the threat of...
Tribune File Photo/ Sheriff Matt Gentry addresses participants in last June's citizens' firearms safety class.
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a citizens’ firearms safety class Tuesday, May 16 at 6 p.m. at Cullman City Hall.
The class will focus on how to safely handle a weapon, the proper technique for shooting a weapon, cleaning a weapon...
CULLMAN - Visitation and funeral arrangements for Curtis Wilson were announced today. Wilson, a 15-year-old student at Cullman High School, tragically lost his life Sunday evening in an automobile crash. CHS Principal Kim Hall announced Wilson's arrangements in her weekly newsletter.
Arrangements are as follows:
Curtis Wilson Arrangements
Daystar Church
Viewing: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. (Friends)
Funeral: 7 p.m.
Said Hall in...
Cindy and Jim Walker pose for a photo with Little Big Town’s Jimi Westbrook, center, an alumnus of Wallace State College and former performer in Walker’s Wallace State Singers. Walker was invited by the Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence event hosted by Little Town.
HANCEVILLE - Dr. Jim Walker, the first director of music programs at Wallace...
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council on Monday approved an amendment to its current alcohol ordinance that will allow multiple vendors to sell alcoholic beverages under the same roof. This paves the way for beverage sales at developer Shane Quick’s new project, Mae’s Food Hall, and other similar establishments that may come in the future.
The amendment defines a food...
Wallace State Community College Diagnostic Imaging students Kevin Matanich, left, Ashley Butler, Whitney Gregg, and Loren Gilliam earned second place in the quiz bowl competition at the 70th annual meeting of the Alabama Society of Radiologic Technologists (ALSRT) held recently in Tuscaloosa.
HANCEVILLE - Students in Wallace State Community College’s Diagnostic Imaging program represented the college well when they attended...
CULLMAN COUNTY - The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a Holly Pond woman for trafficking on Friday. It was the second trafficking arrest for the CCSO in as many days.
Agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) arrested Stephanie Renae Williams, 40, following a traffic stop at the intersection of Alabama Highway 69 N and County Road 1693.
Williams...
CULLMAN - Alabama State Trooper Curtis Summerville said this afternoon that although the circumstances surrounding the crash that killed 15-year-old Curt Wilson Sunday evening are still under investigation, the preliminary investigation indicates alcohol may have been a factor.
Wilson died at Children's of Alabama after being transported by helicopter from the scene of the wreck, which occurred just after 6...
CULLMAN - Traditions Bank of Cullman has set up a fund for the family of Curt Wilson, the Cullman High School student who was killed in an automobile crash Sunday evening. Donations to the Curt Wilson Memorial Fund may be made at any Traditions branch. CHS Principal Kim Hall announced the fund on Facebook.
Wilson died at Children's of Alabama...
CULLMAN - Nominations for Cullman's 2017 Beautification Awards are due by 5 p.m. this Friday, May 12, according to Cullman County Economic Development Director Cherrie Haney. Click here to access the nomination form.
On June 22, Cullman County People Against a Littered State (PALS) will host an awards luncheon at Camp Meadowbrook, starting at 11:30 a.m., at which it will...
Stock image: eatseehear.com
FAIRVIEW - The Fairview Lions Club continues its commitment to family-friendly community activities at Fairview Park with a free outdoor movie night this month and next.
For the month of May, the movie will be “Trolls.” On May 13, at 7:30 p.m., families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the show. Admission is free,...
Beginning in August, Mrs. Cathi Bradford, Hanceville Middle School’s sixth-grade English teacher, reintroduced and began reinforcing cursive writing with her sixth-grade students.
Students are taught the three Ps of penmanship: pencil position, paper position and posture. Following these foundational basics, students learn the “why” behind cursive to make it relevant in their lives. This year, this practice culminated in a...
GOOD HOPE - A head-on collision Sunday claimed the life of a Cullman High School student. Curtis James Wilson, 15, died at Children's of Alabama after being transported by helicopter from the scene of the wreck, which occurred just after 6 p.m. in the 2000 block of County Road 222 in front of Van's Sporting Goods. Cullman County Coroner...
GOOD HOPE - One person has died following a head-on collision this evening in the 2000 block of County Road 222 in front of Van's Sporting Goods. The victim is a minor, and was transported to Children's of Alabama where he has since passed away, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
The incident happened shortly after 6 p.m....
UPDATE: 8:40 p.m. County Road 222 is now open.
GOOD HOPE - A two-car collision on County Road 222 in front of Van's Sporting Goods has resulted in injuries, and the road is temporarily shut down. Motorists should avoid the area.
The Cullman County Sheriff's Office is advising drivers to detour if possible.
No information has been released on the identities of...
Crowds filled Depot Park, the Festhalle and all the space between.
CULLMAN - Whatever evil the weather did to day one of the 2017 Strawberry Festival, it more than made up for on day two. Where Friday was cold, windy and rainy, Saturday saw bright sunshine and temperatures in the 70s, with just enough breeze to keep everyone cooled off.
When...
CULLMAN - With colder temperatures and light to moderate rain, Friday was a less than ideal day for outdoor events. The show went on, however, at the Cullman County Fairgrounds where the American Cancer Society's annual Relay For Life event went on well into the evening. The event started off on a good note with a $17,200 donation from...
Cameron Kretzschmar with his demonstration of the power of air pressure
CULLMAN - Cullman Christian School (CCS) held its first-ever science fair recently, in the gym at Seventh Street Baptist Church, which currently houses the school. Three judges, Stacey Smith of CCS, Beth Williams of Wallace State and Mary Hovater from NASA reviewed 23 entries to choose one winner from...
CULLMAN - Friday was wet and blustery, but good weather is on tap for Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, Cullman will enjoy sunny skies with a high of 73. In addition to the full slate of activities going on at the Strawberry Festival downtown, the Cullman County Republicans are hosting a special guest, there's a memorial color...
Visitors bundled up, but braved the cold
CULLMAN - Cullman City Parks and Recreation (CP&R) and the Cullman Commission on Aging were not happy about Friday’s weather forecast, but crowds defied the cold, windy rain to pack the Festhalle for Senior Day at the Strawberry Festival. Weather did get the final word, though, shutting down afternoon and evening activities. Saturday...
CULLMAN - A Cullman woman was arrested on Thursday and charged with trafficking following a traffic stop at the intersection of Alabama Highway 157 and U.S. Highway 278.
According to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO), agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET) arrested Misti Sharee McClintock, 41, after a search of her vehicle allegedly produced 1.4 ounces of...
CULLMAN - Cullman's Strawberry Festival has been canceled for the remainder of today, Friday. The festival will go on as planned tomorrow at Festhalle and Depot Park.
According to Waid Harbison with Cullman City Parks and Recreation, the decision to cancel the rest of today's activities was made because of the weather. Rain and falling temperatures combined to influence the...
Cullman FBC Pastor Tom Richter
CULLMAN - It’s a long way from New York to Cullman, but Tom Richter had good reasons to come. He’s the new pastor at Cullman First Baptist Church (FBC), having started March 26. The Tribune sat down with Richter this week, to get to know him a little better.
“Richter” is a well-known name around Cullman,...
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Hannah Jacobs, Connie Jacobs, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and VFW Post 2214 Commander Sam Bates
CULLMAN - Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2214 held its annual awards dinner Thursday evening to honor outstanding citizens. Volunteers had to bring out extra chairs and tables as the post building filled up with law enforcement and fire...
George Mills, a local WWII veteran, was hosted for a two-hour seminar Tuesday by Wallace State history instructor Leigh Ann Courington. She and her students dressed in period outfits and styled their hair to welcome him to the campus.
Mills served in the U.S. Army's 28th Infantry Division, which bore the brunt of the initial surprise attack that started the...
CULLMAN - Two people were arrested yesterday after Cullman City Police Department (CPD) officers allegedly found components of a meth lab and various drugs at an apartment on the city's southwest side.
According to a press release from the CPD, after receiving complaints of drug activity happening at an apartment on Fifth Street, CPD Officers Trey Higginbotham, Dustin Colburn and...
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs welcomes Lions Club International President Bob Corlew and his wife Diane, naming them honorary citizens of Cullman.
CULLMAN - On Thursday, Lions Club International President Bob Corlew and his wife Diane were welcomed to Cullman by the Cullman Lions Club, Cullman Community Lions Club and Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, as well as Cullman City Parks and...
HANCEVILLE – Ryder Jones is Wallace State’s recipient of the University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship.
Jones, 20, is a West Point High graduate who plans to major in civil engineering at Alabama and eventually apply for medical school.
“I was very surprised when I learned I received the scholarship. I had my mind made up I was going elsewhere in the...
CULLMAN - Live music, craft vendors, a car show…and of course, strawberries. This year’s Strawberry Festival is almost here. The annual event will kick off this Friday at Festhalle and Depot Park. There is no admission fee. The festival is family-friendly, with several kids’ rides and activities and plenty of strawberry-themed treats, desserts and drinks.
Official hours for Cullman City...
HANCEVILLE - On Saturday, May 13 and Saturday, May 20, the Hanceville Police Department (HPD) will host its sixth annual women’s firearm training event.
The sessions will begin at 8 a.m. at Hanceville City Hall.
“The day goes for four hours usually,” said Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long. “We have two hours of classroom education about firearms, and then two hours...
Students construct a gravel pathway through Welti Elementary School’s outdoor classroom.
WELTI - Recently, kids got to take a little break from class, as they went out in shifts to participate in a workday for the construction of Welti Elementary School’s new outdoor classroom. With the help of North Alabama Agriplex staff and volunteers, students and faculty worked on a...
BREMEN - Tanya Roxanne Monroe, 36, of Bremen was arrested recently and charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance after she allegedly sold suboxone to undercover officers.
According to the Cullman Police Department (CPD), Sgt. Chris Thomason and Officer Kelly Hubbard arrested Monroe following a controlled buy made by Thomason, Investigator Justin Craft and agents with the Alabama Law...
CULLMAN - A Cullman woman was arrested recently after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of methamphetamine and other drugs.
According to a press release from the Cullman City Police Department (CPD), Officers Trey Higginbotham and Tyler Jackson pulled over Chase Leanne Weeks, 22, for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop, Cullman County Sheriff's...
CULLMAN - A Cullman Middle School student was struck by a vehicle this afternoon, just after school ended. The victim, who sustained what Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper described as non-life-threatening injuries, was transported to Cullman Regional via ambulance.
The incident happened at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Third Avenue Northeast, just south of the school.
"The 13-year-old student walked behind another...
BATON ROUGE, La.- Four Cullman-area graduates were recently inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi at their respective universities. Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society.
The four students are:
Kristen King, of Cullman, was initiated at the University of North Alabama
Teresa MacBain, of Cullman, was initiated at Samford University
Emily Oden, of...
The shaded area represents current Holly Pond boundaries accepted by the Holly Pond Town Council and the Cullman County Revenue Commission.
HOLLY POND - At its meeting Tuesday evening, the Holly Pond Town Council officially defined the municipality’s member properties and boundaries. A map drawn up by Town Attorney Dan Willingham and displayed for public review at the town hall...
ACE, LLC SOLAR CEO Chuck Boggs addresses the Baileyton Town Council.
BAILEYTON - The small town of Baileyton talked big news at this week’s town council meeting, welcoming representatives from Pulaski, Tennessee- based ACE, LLC SOLAR. ACE CEO Chuck Boggs, who was featured in The Economist’s film “Solar Frontiers,” (see http://qrne.ws/economistvideo) presented Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar and the town’s council...
CULLMAN - In recognition of American Stroke Month, Cullman Regional is offering free stroke prevention screenings to the community. Visits are by appointment only. Screenings will be offered on the following dates: May 4, 18, 23 and June 1 and 8.
According to the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association, 80 percent of strokes are preventable if you watch...
FAIRVIEW - The first item on the Fairview Town Council's agenda this week, after normal housekeeping, was to welcome guest Marty Hardman from Fairview Elementary, who came to request donations for the school's summer enrichment program. The program is used to help give at-risk students more individualized courses in reading and math, and Harding said the cost of the...
HANCEVILLE - MaKenzie Bearden spent two seasons shining on the volleyball court for Wallace State Community College.
Bearden has also excelled in the classroom. She is one of two Wallace State students to earn the UAB Presidential Transfer Scholarship, which covers tuition and academic-related fees for four semesters at UAB, beginning in the fall.
“This scholarship was something I was very...
TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama has welcomed the 11th cohort of Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars to campus. Among them is Cassandra Thomason, a graduate of Cullman High School.
The Coca-Cola First Generation Scholarship program was established at UA in 2006. Since then, the Coca-Cola Foundation has donated $3 million to support first-generation scholars at UA. The scholarship provides $5,000...
Jamie Owens hopes to open “It’s All Fun and Games” later this year.
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Planning Commission on Monday evening agreed to forward a request from local businessman Shane Quick to the city council with a favorable recommendation.
Quick submitted a request for the City to abandon property adjacent to the Ponder Building at Clark Street Northeast and...
CULLMAN - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) says that nighttime Interstate 65 North lane closures will begin tonight, May 1 and last throughout the year.
Single-lane closures may be in place from 6 p.m.-6 a.m. Sundays through Thursdays from the Blount County line to south of exit 305 (County Road 222).
The stretch of interstate will be undergoing a $7.8...
CULLMAN - A local woman is an internet sensation this afternoon after she took extreme measures to get someone's attention and her antics were captured on video.
Cullman City Police Chief Kenny Culpepper says the whole thing started around 11:11 a.m. Monday morning, when officers arrived at Badcock Furniture on Cherokee Avenue near Lowe's to find a woman standing on...
CULLMAN - A Cullman County man is behind bars facing charges of electronic solicitation of a child, which is a Class B felony.
Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) deputies on Sunday conducted a welfare check on County Road 1669 at the home of Presley Jack Johnson, Jr., 55, of Cullman County. According to a news release from the sheriff's...
CULLMAN - Myles Darren McLeroy, a senior at Cullman High School, is one of 60 students across the country to receive the Make an Impact Scholarship from Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal financial services organization. The award recognizes young Modern Woodmen members who have made a local impact through volunteerism and demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
“We’re proud to support...
CULLMAN - The Cullman Electric Cooperative says a planned power outage will affect members served by Bremen and Hanceville substations.
“Cullman Electric Cooperative and the Tennessee Valley Authority have scheduled a planned power outage that will impact a large portion of the co-op’s service area the first weekend in May,” read a press release issued by the Co-op.
According to the...
The volunteers’ hypnotic antics included having their arms transformed into giant bunny ears.
HANCEVILLE - Comedic hypnotist Gary Conrad visited Wallace State Community College Sunday afternoon to help promote the work of the Make-a-Wish Foundation, which helps bring moments of joy to children fighting deadly diseases. The event was a fundraiser for an upcoming Make-a-Wish project by Sandy Seibert, who...
Cakewalk tour guide Ben South
CULLMAN - The last of the historic April Walking Tours was held this weekend, and they ended on a sweet note. Led by Ben South, the final tour was a traditional southern cakewalk, showing attendees the sweeter side of the city, with seven sugar-filled stops.
The cakewalk began at the Cullman County Museum, the starting place...
Office staff, mechanics and even customers join Dr. Below and Mayor Woody Jacobs in cutting the ribbon.
CULLMAN - On Friday morning, the City of Cullman and the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed a new business to the commercial corridor along Highway 31/Second Avenue Northwest. Dr. David Below (BEE-low), formerly of Below Chiropractic Center, took up auto restoration as...
H.C. Arnold Humanitarian Honoree Dr. Lori McGrath
CULLMAN - On Saturday evening, Cullman Regional got a boost as the Cullman Regional Foundation and its Service Guild hosted their 16th annual Gala at the Cullman Civic Center. Attendees enjoyed a gourmet meal from Designs by Grace, danced to live music by the Edd Jones Orchestra and had the opportunity to bid...
Lions Club International President Bob Corlew will visit Cullman on May 4. (Image courtesy of Dennis Berse)
The Cullman Lions Club is proud to announce the visit of Lions Club International President Bob Corlew and his wife, Diane, on Thursday, May 4. Corlew will be escorted by Cullman Lions Club President Barry Willingham and other members of the Cullman Lions...
Marlys Ross, 2017 Ms. Senior Cullman County
HANCEVILLE - Marlys Ross was crowned 2017 Ms. Senior Cullman County Saturday at Wallace State Community College’s Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre.
Ross is an active member of Cullman First United Methodist Church and is vice president of the Pilot Club of Cullman. For the talent competition, she sang “Crazy” by Patsy Cline.
Moments after the...
HANCEVILLE - Fundraising for the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay For Life is well underway leading up to the Cullman area’s main event next week. On Friday evening, Cullman Primary Care’s Relay For Life teamed up with the team from Wallace State to host the 2017 Beauty of Hope Pageant on the campus of the college. Audience members voted...
The Warehouse District, as seen on April 22, 2017. Image: MoMo She 103
CULLMAN - Today marks the end of a trial run for the Warehouse District. The district’s merchants were allowed by the Cullman City Council to convert First Avenue Northeast to a pedestrian park from Flavors Bakery to Rumors Deli, every Saturday from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m....
Old family photos can be found throughout the Richter’s store.
CULLMAN - In 1947, the first O.F. Richter & Sons opened for business in Cullman. That location, 219 Second Avenue NE, was home to Richter’s until the business moved to its present location, 308 First St. SE, in 1970.
The family-owned and operated business has proudly served Cullman’s paint and home...
CULLMAN COUNTY - The last Saturday in April is going to be a nice one. The National Weather Service is predicting partly sunny skies with only a 20 percent chance of storms late, and a high of 86. Here are some events going on around town for you to enjoy.
As always, if you know of an event we don't,...
CULLMAN - A high-speed chase late this afternoon ended in the arrest of one man on Interstate 65 South. The chase involved officers from the Cullman City Police Department.
"We had some officers watching a house where there was suspected drug use," said Police Chief Kenny Culpepper. "Officers attempted to make a stop on two vehicles at the residence. Both...
CULLMAN - Six local beauties will vie for the coveted title of 2017 Ms. Senior Cullman County tomorrow. The popular pageant is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre on the campus of Wallace State Community College.
Ms. Senior Cullman County 2016, Elaine Willingham, also the reigning Ms. Senior Alabama, will provide entertainment....
CULLMAN - The last of this year’s free April Walking Tours will be tomorrow, Saturday, April 29, and it’s going to be sweet. Literally.
This week’s guide will be Ben South, a real character in an outlandish, southern charmer, kind-hearted rapscallion kind of way, and he will be leading a traditional southern "cakewalk" for this year’s finale.
Ben’s characters are interesting,...
CULLMAN - Firefighters with Cullman Fire Rescue battled a vehicle fire overnight, preventing the blaze from reaching a nearby structure.
According to CFR Division Chief Brian Bradberry, the call came in around 12:55 a.m. and was reported as a structure fire at Earl's Body Shop on Highway 31 North.
"It ended up being the garage just north of Highway 157 off...
