HANCEVILLE, Ala. – A Hanceville man was killed in an officer-involved shooting along County Road 599 near Hanceville Sunday afternoon. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the man as Robert Clay Wilsford, Sr., 65.
The incident unfolded following a call from a family member who asked the Hanceville Police Department (HPD) to do a welfare check, according to a...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College held a ribbon cutting Thursday, Aug. 1, in the School of Nursing and Center for Science to officially open a Mother’s Lounge that nursing mothers can utilize for privacy and comfort when using a breast pump. The event came during the first day of World Breastfeeding Week.
Madison Hospital sponsors the room, providing...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported Aug. 5, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
IncidentsAug. 1
harassment; CR 702
trespassing, giving false name to a law enforcement officer; Hwy. 157
theft of property; CR 1807
harassment; Hwy. 69 S
burglary; Hwy. 278 E
criminal mischief; CR 656
harassment; CR 1505
burglary;...
MONROE, Wash. – The 2019 Nautique World Wake Association (WWA) Wakeboard National Championships are in the books and this year, there was some local flavor in the field. Cullman native Kane Ward, 8, placed first in the 9 & Under Jr. Boys Division after scoring an 88.00 in the Final Round up against the nation’s top wakeboarders in his...
Updated 8-4-19 6:50 p.m.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - A Hanceville man was killed in an officer-involved shooting along County Road 599 near Hanceville Sunday afternoon.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the man as Robert Clay Wilsford, Sr., 65.
Details remain scarce about the incident.
Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long said early Sunday afternoon, "I cannot give a statement now. I will give...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Children filled CW Day Park in Hanceville Friday evening for Kids’ Night Out. The party is hosted each year by the City of Hanceville to give kids a great night of food and fun as summer comes to an end and the school year begins.
The park was full of laughter as kids enjoyed bouncy houses, a...
.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Friday night provided great conditions for the 2019 EvaBank Midnight Run 5K and it certainly showed when the crowd of runners lined up for this year’s event. More than 400 runners registered for this year’s 5K but many more showed up at the starting line to participate by the time midnight rolled around.
The event helps...
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on Thursday night welcomed its 2019-2020 Youth Leadership Cullman County class. This is the 20th year of the program, which serves as an opportunity for students to learn about and get involved in their community. This year’s class is made up of 24 students from Cullman area schools, including private...
CULLMAN, Ala. - “Let’s keep moving Cullman forward!” Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker said at a groundbreaking ceremony for a new industrial access road for North Alabama Fabricating Company (NAFCO) Friday afternoon. Local and state leaders were on hand for the ceremony along County Road 222 at the NAFCO campus. With the construction of this industrial access road,...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College (WSCC) on Thursday held a kickoff and registration luncheon for the 2019-20 year of its Wallace State Lifelong Learning Institute (WaLLi) education and activity program for seniors at the Bailey Center on campus. The program boasts a membership of 235 seniors and plans on getting bigger this year.
WaLLi, according to its manual,...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $419,214.21 to Brooks’ Place, the Child Advocacy Center in Cullman.
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview announced the award Thursday:
“I appreciate Governor Ivey and her team awarding $419,214.21 to Cullman Child Advocacy Center. “In my role as Vice Chair of the Children & Senior Advocacy Committee in the legislature, I readily see the importance...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported Aug. 2, 2019. 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
IncidentsAugust 1
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Olive St. SW; general merchandise; $447
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Olive St. SW; general merchandise; $448
ArrestsAugust 1Cockrell,...
Updated 8/2/19 at 4:12 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson said Friday morning that the school system built two new restrooms this summer, one at East Elementary School and one at Cullman Middle School. She said the restrooms are ADA-compliant, meaning handicapped-accessible, and open for anyone to use.
"We have added a restroom at CMS near...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The staff of Cullman Savings Bank on Thursday presented Good Samaritan Health Clinic (GSC) a check for $5,000 ahead of this year’s fifth annual Caring for Cullman Concert.
In presenting the gift, bank Vice President Clara Kent told The Tribune, “The Good Samaritan Clinic performs a much needed service to our community. Cullman Savings Bank Foundation, the...
GOOD HOPE, Ala. – The City of Good Hope held its annual back-to-school event Thursday evening, and the community gathered at Good Hope Municipal Park to take part in the festivities, enjoying one of the last days of summer vacation.
Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett said, “This is, we started this, I don’t know, maybe five or six years ago...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center’s Governmental Affairs Committee this month will host three community forums featuring Cullman’s local legislative delegation. Each meeting will feature a local state representative in his specific district alongside Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman.
The first meeting will include Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, from District 11 and will be held...
Updated 8/2/19 at 11:58 a.m.
JOHNSON'S CROSSING, Ala. - A Cullman man was killed in a two-vehicle wreck in the community of Johnson's Crossing Thursday evening.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Kristopher Lyn Griffin, 34.
Kilpatrick said the crash happened in the 1600 block of County Road 616.
Alabama State Troopers said the wreck occurred at 4:30 p.m....
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay shares a bonus Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Dandy is an 11-month-old bulldog mix. He’s a lively, medium- to high-energy canine companion who enjoys playing ball with his human. And when he’s done playing, according to Ruttkay, “His down time is right by your side.” Even though he’s energetic...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported Aug. 1, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
IncidentsJuly 29
domestic violence; 3rd Ave. SW Hanceville
violation of a protection order; CR 1233
criminal mischief; Colony Rd.
unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1805
burglary; CR 1101
harassment; CR 781
harassment;...
CULLMAN, Ala. - At one time, firefighters and EMTs around Smith Lake faced a formidable barrier to responding to emergency calls: the shoreline. Having to stand on the bank, begging for a loaner boat to respond to incidents on the water, was a feeling Logan Fire Chief Toby Bates called “helpless.”
Less than a month ago, that time came to...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Inspired by one of the most popular book series of all time, the Cullman County Public Library held a birthday party for Harry Potter - not the series itself, but the actual character - Wednesday. Organizer Debra Reynolds said it was the first time the library has held such an event, but the party is likely to...
LOGAN, Ala. - After contacting the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) to request safety upgrades such as a traffic light at the intersection of U.S. Highway 278 and County Road 831, the site of two recent serious accidents, Logan Fire and Rescue received this response from ALDOT North Region Public Information Officer Seth Burkett:
Thank you for contacting us to...
CULLMAN, Ala. – The annual Poor Man Poker Run returns to Lewis Smith Lake Saturday to raise money for The Smith Lake Task Force and Wake the World Alabama. Registration is $30. There will be a pre-party for players at The Barn at Smith Lake Friday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. The Poker Run is Saturday, Aug. 3 from...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 31, 2019. 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
July 29
third-degree theft of property; person; Poplar Dr. SW; Honda mini bike; $950
fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree criminal trespassing; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; general...
CULLMAN, Ala. The American Heart Association and Cullman Regional held a kick-off breakfast Wednesday morning at Loft 212 for this year’s Heart Walk. The guest speaker for the breakfast was Ovuke Emonina McCoy, 44, of Birmingham.
McCoy, a stroke survivor and heart transplant recipient, shared her story of how the American Heart Associate has impacted her life. McCoy was diagnosed...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Regional Foundation on Tuesday announced its 28th annual Million Dollar Hole-In-One Golf Extravaganza will be held Monday, Sept. 9 at TP Country Club.
The Golf Extravaganza includes several events such as a morning and afternoon tournament, putting contest, helicopter ball drop and the Million Dollar Hole-In-One shoot out.
The tournament consists of a four-person scramble. Register...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Parts of the new Eva Road Bridge crossing Bridge Creek were put in place Tuesday, tangible evidence that the months-long project is moving forward. The stretch of Eva Road between Forrest Avenue Northeast and Scenic Drive Northeast has been closed for the new bridge construction since Nov. 5, 2018.
City of Cullman Risk Management Director Tom Charney...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Applications are being accepted now for the fall 2019 session of the popular Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Citizens' Academy. The academy is a nine-week course and is free to the public; however, class size is limited.
The fall session will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Classes will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6-9 p.m.
Academy students will learn...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Longtime Wallace State Wellness Center client Bobbie Messersmith was surprised by her volleyball teammates on her 90th birthday on July 17. The teams presented her with a volleyball-shaped cake and a long-sleeved T-shirt proclaiming her “Volleyball Queen” with her name and the number 90.
“They really surprised me,” said Messersmith, who has been coming the Wallace State...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 30, 2019. 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
July 29
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; general merchandise; $89
counterfeit $100; State of Alabama; Hwy. 157
second-degree theft of property; Billy Ray Taylor...
Editor’s note: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty.
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Tribune continues its review of pending homicide cases in Cullman County, and reports on their current status and actions taken this year.
Bradford Neal Meeks - reckless murder of Curt Wilson in May 2017
Meeks, represented before Judge Gregory Nicholas by Johnny Berry and Brandon Little, was indicted...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Annie D. is a heeler mix who’s a little more than 1 year old. She arrived at the shelter with skin issues, which have been tended to, and she’s healthy. Ruttkay noted that, even while undergoing treatment, Annie D. maintained her sweet...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Ms. Ann Trucks, of Cullman, was crowned 2019 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home during the Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover Monday, July 29. She was crowned by Miss Alabama 2019 Tiara Pennington, who was co-host of the event.
Trucks, 76, is a resident of Woodland Village...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman High School’s Jayden Sullins has known for a while that he’d get the chance to play football at the next level, but now he knows where he’ll be doing it. The senior running back announced Saturday he has committed to The United States Naval Academy to play for the Midshipmen and Coach Ken Niumatalolo.
After...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County District Court, with Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas as authorized acting district judge on behalf of District Judge Rusty Turner, on Monday found that probable cause exists to send the murder case of Charles Patrick Wayne Burgess to a Cullman County Grand Jury. Burgess is charged with the Apr. 13, 2019 shooting death of Tommy...
CULLMAN, Ala. – United Way of Cullman County’s (UWCC) Stuff the Bus school supply drive ended recently, with a total that Public Relations Manager Michele Dingler said Monday far exceeded last year’s number of more than 11,000.
“We exceeded last year’s total,” smiled Dingler. “This year’s total is 14,753 items, and we still have items coming in!”
The Stuff the Bus...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 29, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s OfficeIncidentsJuly 25
unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1635
domestic violence; CR 1480
permitting dogs to run at large; CR 587
domestic violence; CR 1498
theft of property; CR...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Stadium Drive Northeast and Oak Drive Northeast are set to reopen by Monday, Aug. 5, just in time for the new school year, which starts Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Leanne West with the City of Cullman Mayor's Office said, "This week, they will be cleaning up and getting the striping crew ready to stripe the streets. The streets...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Fifty-six teams competed Saturday night in The Office Trivia Night hosted by The Ostrich at Goat Island Brewing.
The Ostrich, aka humorist Matt Mitchell, first began trivia nights at Tallulah Brewing Company in Jasper.
“I just enjoy trivia nights,” said Mitchell. “When I found out there was going to be a brewery opening in Jasper, I thought ‘Well...
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Saturday morning, classic car owners and enthusiasts around north Alabama came together to raise money for the Fairview High School marching band at the band's 5th Annual All Wheel Show & Festival.
Along with viewing the cars, trucks and motorcycles on display, visitors enjoyed live music from Jesse Priest Music, tackled the National Guard rock climbing wall, perused craft vendors...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s Choice Rentals on Saturday reached out to help Ashley Wilson and Curt’s Closet, her local nonprofit clothing and accessory boutique that exclusively serves kids of families in need. The Cruise-In for Curt’s Closet drew vehicle enthusiasts for a good cause.
Choice Rentals’ Lashonda Yarbrough told The Tribune, “Choice Rentals, we’ve been open about seven, eight months,...
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –
The 2019 National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) season came to an end
with the NASP Championships at the Music City Center in Nashville on Saturday
and several local squads were there to compete. Cullman Middle School, East
Elementary and West Point High School had archers in the field and Vinemont
Elementary, Middle and High School were all in attendance...
OPELIKA, Ala. – The Alabama Recreation and Parks Association’s (ARPA) final swim meet of the season was held at the Opelika Sportsplex this weekend and the Cullman Swim Team (the Tritons) had a big group of athletes in the field. The Tritons faced off against qualifiers from 28 other teams across the state. The boys finished seventh with a...
CULLMAN, Ala. - As the new school year approaches, many families around Cullman County will be struggling to provide school necessities for their children. These necessities may be school supplies like binders, backpacks, calculators, paper and writing utensils, or they may be more basic necessities like clothing or food. Fortunately, Cullman County has no shortage of generosity, and there...
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - As part of a series of features on marching bands around the county, The Tribune visited the Fairview Aggie Band during its band camp this week to see what the county can expect this football season. Director Nathan Kilgo said this year, the band will be honoring the anniversary of one of mankind's greatest achievements: the 50th anniversary...
Editor’s note: All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty.
CULLMAN, Ala. - It has been said that the wheels of justice turn slowly, and Cullman County is no exception, with active homicide cases dating back to 2013, based on incidents back to 2012. The Tribune is reviewing those cases and reporting on their current statuses and actions taken this...
HOLLY POND, Ala. - As part of a series of features on marching bands around the county, The Tribune visited the Holly Pond Bronco Band on its last day of band camp this week. Director Evan Curtis said this year's halftime show theme is "Emergency." The show will feature songs with medical themes like "Bad Medicine," "Stayin' Alive" and "Stitches,"...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Many municipalities, churches and other organizations are holding back-to-school fun nights to help students celebrate the last two weeks of summer before the new school year starts. The times, locations and details for many of these events can be found below:
Saturday, July 27
Back-to-School Bash hosted by Gateway Mortgage Group – 2-6 p.m. at the Heritage Park soccer fields (1705...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Churchgoers settled in at Temple Baptist Church Thursday night to participate in the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Church Safety Class. It was the second event of its kind put on by the CCSO following the November 2017 church shooting in Texas in which 26 people were killed at First Baptist Church in rural Sutherland Springs.
Instructors...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 26, 2019. 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 DepartmentIncidentsJuly 24
first-degree criminal trespassing; Gold Mark Apartments; Gold Mark Ct. SW
counterfeit $100; State of Alabama; Main Ave. NW
July 25
third-degree domestic violence; person; Katherine...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Hanceville Elementary School students Colton Hunter (left) and Kason Hitt (right) set up a lemonade stand in front of Hanceville City Hall Friday to raise money to pay lunch bills for students in need at their school.
Kason’s dad Kevin Hitt told The Tribune, “It was the boys’ idea to raise something before school starts back, to...
CULLMAN, Ala. - A woman who was struck by lightning at Smith Lake Park Saturday, July 20 has been identified as Kelly Hodo, of Hayden, according to a GoFundMe page set up on her behalf.
Hodo was one of two people injured in the incident.
According to Cullman Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Phyllis Little that day, “It was a pop-up...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Choice Rentals is putting on its inaugural charity car, truck and bike show, the “Cruise-In for Curt’s Closet,” this Saturday, and has named Curt’s Closet (CC) as the first beneficiary of its new tradition. According to CC founder Ashley Wilson, the daughter of Choice Rentals’ manager was a classmate of her late son Curt Wilson. CC...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The City of Hanceville is gearing up for its annual back-to-school bash, Kids’ Night Out. It will take place Friday, Aug. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at CW Day Park. Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long said first responders, helicopters, motorcycles and firetrucks will be there. There will also be free pizza and chicken sandwiches, bouncy houses and...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - A golf practice facility in the Wallace State Wellness Center was officially named in honor of the late Coach Dan York this week with family, friends, employees and current and former players in attendance. That facility includes an indoor driving range and putting green.
During York’s 32-year career as head golf coach at Wallace State, the Wallace...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Tractor Supply Company store will host a free backyard poultry event Aug. 10, 2019 from 10 a.m.-noon. Attendees will learn how to care for and manage an at-home flock.
"The popularity of raising backyard poultry continues to grow year after year," said Jason Bane, manager of the Cullman Tractor Supply store. "Poultry owners love the...
CULLMAN, Ala. -- With just one day left in United Way of Cullman County's 'Stuff the Bus' school supply drive, Wal-Mart Distribution Center has stepped in to provide a big donation. WDC's Dustin Elliott stopped by the United Way office Thursday afternoon and dropped off more than 300 school supply items for local students to use this year.
The...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 25, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s OfficeIncidentsJuly 22
obstructing government operations, giving false name to a law enforcement officer; Hwy. 69 S
theft of property; CR 550
assault; CR 1289
unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; CR...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Representatives of the Opioid Training Institute (OTI), a collaboration between the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy and the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH), came to Cullman Wednesday to lead a day-long public seminar to help local authorities and citizens learn how to help combat the opioid crisis.
During a break between sessions, Harrison School of...
Updated 7-25-19 1:03 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. - The residents and staff of The Folsom Center were all smiles Wednesday after receiving surprise gifts from Cullman Florist. For the second year, Cullman Florist participated in Teleflora’s Make Someone Smile Week. Florists Stephanie Cook and Carla Fussell, along with a group of young volunteers, personally delivered the arrangements to each resident.
Fussell explained...
CULLMAN, Ala. - A slope failure, heavy rain and construction work at an adjacent property along Walnut Street Northwest and Burgundy Lane Northwest caused a part of the road to start sliding downhill about six weeks ago, prompting a road closure near Rusken Packaging. Final repairs are now underway.
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said Wednesday, “They’ve (Rusken) got the retaining...
SCOOBA, Miss. - The National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday released its preliminary report on the June 3 crash that left eight people dead in Scooba, Mississippi, saying a truck crossed the center line of Mississippi State Highway 16, striking a van. Both drivers survived the crash. The Mississippi Highway Patrol identified the driver of the van as Alejandro...
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A total of 59 students from across the state graduated from the Alabama Banking School July 19, and among them was Cade Smith from Citizens Bank & Trust.
Held at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, this year’s session was the 44th since the school first began in 1976. Lee Lawson of the Baldwin County Economic...
CULLMAN, Ala. – With the new school year right around the corner, there are lots of things for students, teachers, parents and administrators to think about, including school safety. The Cullman Police Department (CPD) has been thinking about school safety as well and has spent time this summer preparing for emergency situations on local campuses. It stopped by East...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 24, 2019. 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 DepartmentIncidentsJuly 22
leaving the scene of an accident; person; 3rd St. SW, Main Ave. SW; damage to ’17 Chev. Volt; $2,000
ArrestsJuly 23Shikle, William C.,...
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) on Wednesday announced four Tree Farmer families from among more than 70,000 certified Tree Farmers as this year’s Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.
They are:
South: Stan and Suzanne Wood of Bremen, Alabama
Northeast: Bill and Tina Buckel of Bittinger, Maryland
North Central: Mike Trail of Columbia,...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Monday issued an advisory to all Alabama federal firearms licensees (FFLs) saying, in part, "In the interest of public safety, and effective immediately, FFLs in Alabama may no longer accept CCP (concealed-carry) permits as an alternative to a (National Instant Criminal Background...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 23, 2019. 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 DepartmentIncidentsJuly 22
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; general merchandise; $499
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; general merchandise; $43
fourth-degree theft of property,...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission hopes to soon replace the HVAC system at the Cullman County Courthouse.
“We are going to have to do something,” said Chairman Kenneth Walker. “The week before the 4th (of July) we had a breakdown. If Dye Services hadn’t been so good and worked overtime to get us back on, we would have...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
“This sweet girl is Breezy. She was scared, but now is free! Breezy was so fun to photograph, as her true self was being revealed! She likes carrying a small stuffed giraffe.”
Breezy is a 1-year-old bulldog/Catahoula mix. She’s a seriously laid-back, low-energy...
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - The City of Good Hope is taking the first steps since purchasing 33.68 acres adjacent to Municipal Park to begin developing the land for recreational purposes. The city council voted Monday night to allow Mayor Jerry Bartlett to enter into a contract with St. John & Associates for engineering services.
Bartlett said, “They’re going to draw us...
CULLMAN, Ala. - To help support local agriculture and grow more connected to the local farming community, the Cullman Electric Cooperative partnered with the North Alabama Agriplex to host a small, one-day farmers’ market. Featuring booths from Burks Farms, Thompsons' Orchard, Greenleaf Farms, Idlewild South Farms and White Co. Farms, the market took place Monday morning and afternoon in the...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City Council on Monday night approved a 10-year abatement of “all state and local noneducational ad valorem taxes, all construction related transaction taxes, except those construction related transaction taxes levied for educational purposes or for capital improvements for education” for auto component manufacturer REHAU, to support an expansion of the company’s Cullman production facility. ...
Updated 7-23-19 11:35 a.m.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - It was a gorgeous evening for the Hanceville Music Fest Saturday at Veterans Park. The community came out to enjoy a rain-cooled night while The Natchez Trace Band performed everyone’s Southern Rock favorites. This was the second concert in the Summer Concert Series organized by the City of Hanceville and the first in...
National blood shortages are impacting blood centers across the country, and locally, LifeSouth Community Blood Centers have emergency need for all blood types.
Summer months take a toll on the blood supply, and this year has been especially difficult here in north Alabama and across the country. Hospitals like Huntsville Hospital, Marshall Medical Centers, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Cullman Regional, North...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 22, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s OfficeIncidentsJuly 18
domestic violence; CR 1185
harassment; CR 431
harassment; Fairpark Ct.
theft of property, trespassing; Hwy. 278 E
harassment, reckless endangerment; 4th St. SW
domestic violence; CR 1212
harassment; Hwy. 91
harassment; CR 1490
violation of a...
BIRMINGHAM - Junior cornerback Brontae Harris has been named to the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List, which is presented annually to the nation's best defensive back by the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame.Harris was rated Conference USA's top cornerback in 2018 and will again be one of the best defensive players in the league this season.The Cullman,...
Updated 7-22-19 5:23 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Multiple units responded to a reported fire at Lake Catoma Apartments along U.S. Highway 278 East in the city of Cullman Monday morning.
Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Brian Bradberry said the fire involved an ashtray and possibly a grill. The grill was thrown from the third-floor apartment onto the ground below.
No smoke was visible...
FAIRVIEW, Ala. – This Saturday, July 27, vehicle enthusiasts can come out to Randall Shedd Community Park to support the Fairview High School marching band at its fifth annual All Wheel Show & Festival. From 9 a.m.-2 p.m., visitors can enjoy live music, free inflatables, the National Guard rock climbing wall, various food trucks, local arts and crafts vendors and a...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - When The Cullman Tribune first spoke with the family of Chris Torrisi after he was involved in a car accident June 29, doctors were not very hopeful he would survive. Torrisi, 39, of Cullman, was in a deep coma in UAB Hospital’s neuro intensive care unit. The doctors prepared his mother Nancy Thomas for the worst...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Elks Lodge and Jack Aces Riding Club on Saturday held their annual Christmas in July event to benefit Christmas Love. The groups raised $1,156 and collected many donated toys that will go to help area kids during the 2019 holiday season.
The day of fun began with The Jack Aces hosting a charity motorcycle ride...
Updated 7-21-19 1 p.m.
DODGE CITY, Ala. - More than 70 participants competed Thursday in Thompson Tractor’s Operator Challenge in Dodge City, just off Exit 299 in front of My Way Trucking. The Hanceville Challenge (named by the organizers) was the first of two qualifying events, with the Montgomery Challenge scheduled for July 25-26. Top qualifiers from each regional event...
Updated 7-20-19 8:36 p.m.
TRIMBLE, Ala. - Two people were transported to Cullman Regional following what officials are saying was a lightning strike near the beach area of Smith Lake Park. “A female took a possible direct hit,” said one EMT on the scene. “She looked right at me as we were getting her ready for transport.”
According to Cullman...
CULLMAN, Ala. – With clouds hanging overhead and the temperature in the 70s, Saturday morning provided near-perfect conditions for the sixth annual Nicholas Fillinger Memorial Run. Approximately 140 runners registered for this year’s event and the trail at St. Bernard was full of participants of all ages who came to honor Nicholas’ memory and support a great cause. Nicholas,...
VINEMONT, Ala. - Multiple agencies including fire departments from Vinemont-Providence, West Point, Falkville, Battleground, Cullman and Gold Ridge responded early Friday evening to a structure fire off U.S. Highway 31 just south of Hurricane Creek Park. The structure involved was a a large metal building once a large mulching business, now holding old wooden pallets, plastic bags and mulch.
The...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) on Friday announced it has suspended search efforts to locate Kelsey Starling, missing on Smith Lake since an accident July 4.
Sgt. Chad Pate reported,“The search on Smith Lake has been suspended indefinitely. There are some search operations planned for the future, but we will no longer have personnel searching...
JASPER, Ala. - On Friday, the Sipsey Heritage Commission and Chandler Holdings, along with 40 individual property owners along the Mulberry and Sipsey Forks of the Black Warrior River, filed suit against Tyson Farms, Inc., River Valley Ingredients LLC, RVI Hanceville plant manager Jason Spann, American Proteins, Inc. and Hydraservice, Inc.
The lawsuit stems from the Thursday, June 6, 2019...
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) is expanding its Stepping Up Initiative, which establishes effective partnerships with law enforcement, local governmental entities, elected officials, mental health and health care providers, social service providers, courts and other partners, to meet the goal of decreasing the number of persons with mental illness and substance abuse in jails...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 19, 2019. 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 DepartmentIncidentsJuly 18
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; vacuum cleaner; $299
ArrestsJuly 18Walker, Jr. Jackie L., 23
FTA- fourth-degree receiving stolen property
Neely, Zachary G., 38
fourth-degree...
Updated 7-18-19 at 4 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. - Newk's Eatery is coming to Cullman. The restaurant will be opening in the former Dairy Queen building at 410 Second Ave. (U.S. Highway 31 North)
Susan Eller, with the Cullman Economic Development Agency, said, "Renovations on the building began this week and plans are to be open fall 2019."
Britt and Larry Smallwood, owners...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay shared some great news: all of the dogs taken to last week’s 2nd Fridays downtown celebration were adopted! Now, she shares a new canine friend with us as The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Miss Bea is a beagle/bulldog mix who’s a little over a year old. She’s a...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 18, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s OfficeIncidentsJuly 15
possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance; CR 818
domestic violence; CR 1742
unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; CR 728
violation of a protection order;...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) annual Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy (SYLA) is underway this week, and The Tribune talked with the CCSO and participants about what’s going on this time around.
Lt. Rex Sorrow, who heads up SYLA, said, “We’ve got a really good class. We’ve got 34 students, and everything’s been going really, really good. ...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Not wanting to stay cooped up in their homes, chicken enthusiasts from around Cullman this week flocked to the North Alabama Agriplex for one of its Living Landscapes lectures, which focused on best practices for raising chickens, both casually and commercially.
Rachel Dawsey, Agriplex director, and Landon Marks, regional extension agent for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, worked...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported July 17, 2019. 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 DepartmentIncidentsJuly 16
second-degree theft of property; Lowe’s; Cherokee Ave. SW; general merchandise; $1,522
ArrestsJuly 16Duncan, Joel M., 39
DUI
Jenkins, Debbie L., 45
FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Chipotle Mexican Grill is coming to Cullman. The restaurant will be located in the old Bojangles' building at 1821 Cherokee Ave. SW across from Chick-fil-A.
"Chipotle has executed a lease and (begun) renovations on the former Bojangles' building. We do not have an exact opening date yet, but officials say it will be at some point this...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Tribune Tuesday checked in with the staff at Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) to see how the restocking of the agency’s shelves was progressing.
CCK Director Javon Daniel shared, “We’ve had some donations come in, food donations, and we’ve had some monetary donations come in. We could always use more. I mean I’m not saying that...
CULLMAN, Ala. - A roofer was injured Tuesday while working at the Cullman County Emergency Management Agency/Water Department building on Beech Avenue.
Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker released the following statement to the media:
"Earlier today, an accident involving an employee of a roofing contractor occurred at the Cullman County Emergency Management / Water Department Building located at 2020...
BAILEYTON, Ala. – Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department Chief Zachery McGee recently earned the designation of Advanced Level Emergency Manager from the Alabama Association of Emergency Managers (AAEM).
Eddie Hicks, chair of the AAEM Certification Committee, said in a media release: “The Alabama Association of Emergency Managers is pleased to announce that Zachery McGee, fire chief of the Baileyton Volunteer Fire...
BERLIN, Ala. - During its July meeting, the Berlin Town Council continued to expand the municipality's borders through annexation and also discussed plans to set up a temporary town hall. It also worked on development plans for the 20-acre property it recently purchased next to the community center.
The three properties annexed Monday night were all along the east side of County Road 747,...
