Updated 4-15-19 8:25 a.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are several Easter egg hunts and other events happening around the Cullman area. Easter is on Sunday, April 21.
To submit an event, email wendy@cullmantribune.com or visit www.CullmanTribune.com/Calendar.
Wednesday, April 17
Community Easter Egg Hunt- 5-8 p.m.
Good Hope Park, put on by Good Hope United Methodist Church
Come to the Good Hope park across from the...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Community leaders and concerned citizens on Thursday joined Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) on the front steps of the Cullman County Courthouse for a prayer walk to promote child abuse awareness and prevention. CCK Executive Director Javon Daniel and Assistant Director Nancy Bryant, Sheriff Matt Gentry, Police Chief Kenny Culpepper and Circuit Judge Martha Williams led...
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Thursday, April 18, a group of students from the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA), led by Health Science teachers Tracy Smith and Adrian Basch, will travel to storm-stricken areas of Lee County to join in tornado relief efforts and deliver gifts from area businesses, churches and individuals.
On Thursday of this week, CATA issued a press...
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Hopper's Family Market and Pharmacy in Fairview is celebrating its eighth anniversary this week, planning a huge two-day sale April 12-13. Owners Mike and Jimmie Hopper are also excited to bring back their ribeye steak sandwich sale to benefit the Children’s of Alabama.
The celebration will begin Friday, April 12 with free hotdogs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m....
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 11, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 8
domestic violence; CR 1223
unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1114
domestic violence; Mize Rd. N
harassment; CR 648
unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Student leaders from Cullman High School’s (CHS) Student Government Association (SGA) on Wednesday spent the day learning about leadership and serving the community at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic and Curt’s Closet. At the clinic, students packed patient care kits for clients, while at Curt’s Closet they sorted clothes, cleaned and replanted flower beds, and visited...
COLONY, Ala. - Councilwoman Ethel Alexander at Tuesday’s Colony Town Council meeting reported that the town will be visited this Friday by members of the Birmingham African American Genealogy Group (BAAGG). From 9:30-noon, the organization will be at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville to meet genealogy/history instructor Bob Davis and be introduced to the college library’s genealogy collection....
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Shrimp Basket is nearing completion and has begun accepting applications. General Manager J.R. High on Wednesday said he hopes to begin training around April 26. He said the restaurant’s tentative opening date is set for May 1.
Work continues inside and outside the location at 716 Second Ave. NW (U.S. Highway 31, in the old Title...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 10, 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 DepartmentIncidents
April 9
third-degree burglary; person; Ann St. NW
fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy 157; trimmers; $314
first-degree theft of property; person; 14th St. NE;...
CULLMAN, Ala. - A man wanted in Cullman County on a felony strangulation/suffocation grand jury warrant was arrested in Highfill, Arkansas last Friday while providing ride share services, according to the Highfill Police Department (HPD).
Christopher Lee Jensen, 40, will be extradited to Cullman County, said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, who said if Jensen doesn't waive extradition, a governor's...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay shares The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week:
Charlene is a 1-year-old hound mix. She’s a laid-back, low- to medium-energy pet with what Ruttkay describes as “an abundance of manners.” She’s developing good habits on her leash: she likes to explore, but enjoys staying close to her human. She’s got...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The annual Safe Kids Expo will be this Saturday, April 13 at Sportsman Lake Park.
Blakely Hopper of Brooks’ Place Child Advocacy Center shared, “Our annual SAFE KIDS Expo is coming up on April 13, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event is just one way we are working to support and engage our community...
WEST POINT, Ala. - West Point High School senior Lily Whitesell will graduate next month with a highly unlikely record to her credit: seven consecutive first-place finishes at the Cullman County Math Tournament. In exams over subjects including sixth- and seventh-grade math, Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II, as well as the 11th-grade comprehensive and 12th-grade advanced math exams,...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 9, 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
April 8
unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, second-degree theft of property; person; Irene Ln. SE; gun, case; $450
first-degree theft of...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The 2019 2A State Champion Cold Springs Lady Eagles basketball team was honored Tuesday morning by the Cullman County Commission. Wearing their royal blue state champion T-shirts, the young women, along with head coach Tammy West, listened as the official proclamation was read in their honor.
Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker congratulated the team and West for “another...
ORLANDO, Fla. - Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK) recognized Dr. Vicki Karolewics, president of Wallace State Community College, with the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction during PTK Catalyst 2019, at the Society’s annual convention, in Orlando, Florida last week.
This award is given to college presidents who have shown strong support of student success on their campus by...
VINEMONT, Ala. - Vinemont Elementary celebrated the town’s history Saturday in conjunction with the ongoing Alabama 200 Bicentennial celebration. Chosen as one of the Bicentennial schools, Vinemont Elementary has focused on Vinemont history throughout the school year while planning Saturday’s Vinemont History Day.
The school invited community members to come enjoy many activities. Guests strolled the campus and enjoyed storytelling,...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The 2019 Ms. Senior Cullman County pageant will take place this Saturday, April 13 at 2 p.m. at Wallace State Community College’s Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. Ten beautiful ladies will compete for the honor at this year’s pageant, themed “Be All You Can Be.” Serving as emcee will be Miss Alabama 2018 Callie Walker.
The pageant will...
CULLMAN, Ala. - At noon this Thursday, April 11, United Way agency Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) will hold its annual prayer walk to promote awareness and prevention of child abuse in Cullman County. Walkers will meet on the front steps of the Cullman County Courthouse, then proceed from there to the top of Cullman Savings Bank’s parking deck,...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman High School (CHS) Theatre on Monday morning opened a series of in-school performances of its spring production “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” leading up to public performances starting this Thursday.
The Tribune talked to CHS Theatre Director Wayne Cook, along with members of his crew, as they prepared for the opening.
Cook shared, “This is a show...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 8, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 4
unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prescription drugs; I-65 NB, 308 MM
domestic violence; Main Ave. SW
domestic violence, menacing; CR 732
theft of property;...
Good Hope High School’s Class of 1969 will hold its 50-year reunion on Thursday, May 16 from 5-8 p.m. in Belle Vue Hall at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman.
For more information, contact Becky Barnard at 256-339-1806 or Jeanne Milligan at 256-520-5951.
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - The Fairview Lions Club held its third annual Spring Fling at Randall Shedd Community Park Saturday. The event featured a car show, vendors, food and bounce houses for kids to enjoy, as well as free health screenings.
“It’s been good; it’s a bit slow. It’s a pretty day. We’ve had plenty of kids playing and that's been...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay reported that the shelter is nearing capacity, so we’re sharing an extra Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week.
The “Duke of Merle” came to the shelter starving and emaciated, but he’s putting on weight and getting better every day. From his features, he may have a little Great Dane in...
CULLMAN, Ala.
– The gates opened for the 35th annual Bloomin’ Festival Saturday
morning and thousands made their way to St. Bernard Abbey for the arts and
crafts fair. Walking room was hard to come by within the first hour of the
gates opening and the crowds showed no signs of slowing down. A long list of
local vendors as well as vendors from...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Sportsman Lake Park was the site of this year’s Colors of Cancer Day 5K Walk/Run and the weather conditions were perfect for the 41 runners in the field at this year’s event. All the proceeds from the event go toward helping cancer patients within the community and Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation President Louise Cole expanded...
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Two years ago, Fairview High School scored a 68 on the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE)’s report card. The school took the score personally and sought redemption. It succeeded. When the state report card came in last December, Fairview High School’s score jumped from a 68 (D) to an 88 (B). School officials say this...
VINEMONT, Ala. – Located along U.S. Highway 31 in Vinemont, the freshly opened Amish Gallery brings a connection to the Amish community to Cullman.
A traditional Amish buggy parked out front catches the eye, and then the door opens and guests are greeted with a fresh cedar aroma, beautifully crafted rocking chairs and dining table sets made of different woods,...
Here are several events happening around the Cullman area Saturday and Sunday.
Cullman County Republican Party Monthly Meeting with Special Guest Bradley Byrne- Saturday, April 6
The Cullman County Republican Party hosts monthly meetings on the first Saturday of each month at the Cullman Elks Lodge.
7:30- Breakfast ($10)
8- Meeting begins (free)
April's special guest speaker will be Bradley Byrne, candidate for U.S....
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 5, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 4
fourth-degree theft of property; Cullman High School; 13th St. NE; stolen property; $330
unauthorized breaking and entering of a motor...
Hanceville High School recently crowned Josey Brown Miss Enhancer as well as Hanceville High School Fair Queen Representative.
Brown is the daughter of Todd and Monica Brown.
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs this week officially proclaimed the month of April 2019 “Child Abuse Prevention & Awareness Month” in the city of Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation from Cullman Caring for Kids were Executive Director Javon Daniel and Assistant Director Nancy Bryant.
“Cullman is very fortunate to have people and organizations working together to...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The North Alabama Agriplex and Wallace State Community College celebrated National Service Recognition Day this week by providing lunch for all of the VISTAs at work in our community.
AmeriCorps VISTA, or Volunteers in Service to America, is a national service program designed to alleviate poverty in America. Founded in 1965 by President John F. Kennedy, VISTAs...
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Farm-City Committee on Thursday was named the best in the state for the seventh straight year. The committee received the Overall Best Farm-City Committee Award during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 4 in Birmingham. The group also received Division I (counties with larger populations) awards for Best Farm-City Committee, Best Farm-City Dinner...
WEST POINT, Ala. - A Lawrence County man was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle wreck along Alabama Highway 157 in West Point.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Timothy Dennis Blasingame, 45, of Hillsboro, Alabama. He said the wreck happened around 7 a.m. in the 12000 block of Hwy. 157.
Blasingame was killed when the 2006...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 4, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 1
domestic violence, criminal mischief; Countryside Acres Rd.
theft of property; CR 1486
unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; CR 248
domestic violence; CR 832
burglary; CR 437
theft of property;...
Updated 4-4-19 3:28 p.m.
WEST POINT, Ala. - A Lawrence County man was killed Thursday morning in a single-vehicle wreck along Alabama Highway 157 in West Point.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Timothy Dennis Blasingame, 45, of Hillsboro, Alabama. He said the wreck happened around 7 a.m. in the 12000 block of Hwy. 1570
Blasingame was driving...
"The project has not been shelved. The schedule for the sports complex has not changed because there never has been a schedule. It is a dream project that I hope to see come to fruition down the road, but right now all of the systems' resources are focused on improving our schools." - Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 3, 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
No incidents reported.
Arrests
April 2
Kaiser, Christopher B., 34
FTA- third-degree domestic violence (2 counts)
FTA- resisting arrest
Roberts, Regina L., 38
violating a protection order
Barnett, Christopher A.,...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Christian School has been granted accreditation through AdvancED.
Cullman Christian School received word, following a March 29 AdvancED Board Meeting, that the school earned its accreditation status through the agency. Serving as a partner to 36,000 educational institutions across the United States and 70 other nations, AdvancED was formed through a 2006 merger of the Pre-K-12...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Publix Manager Brad Boshell and members of his crew on Tuesday celebrated Publix Serves Day, first grilling out at the Margaret Jean Jones Center, then installing a “Little Library” book lending box in front of the United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) office at the Old Depot. Throughout the day, Publix associates across the company’s...
HOLLY POND, Ala. - The Holly Pond Town Council on Monday night fielded questions about the Cullman County Board of Education’s “Project X,” the multi-use sports and event venue slated to be located in Cullman, on Alabama Highway 157 near its intersection with I-65, behind Warehouse Discount Groceries, on land donated to the CCBOE by Roy Drinkard. The new...
CULLMAN, Ala. - It was a special day for 11-year-old Cullman County Child Development Center student Blakeley Richards. After growing it out for two years, Richards had her hair cut Tuesday afternoon to be donated and used to make wigs for children with leukemia through the Hugs-U-Wear program, a part of the Childhood Leukemia Foundation.
Blakeley’s mother Laina Fine and...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County’s chapter of People Against a Littered State (PALS) is taking nominations through April 30 for area businesses to be considered for its 2019 Beautification Awards. PALS recently took charge of the program after several years of it being handled by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce.
The stated purpose of the awards program is to...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 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
Incidents
April 1
leaving the scene of an accident; person; Olive St. SW; damage to ’06 Chrysler 300; unknown amount of property value
Arrests
April 1
Bell,...
COLONY, Ala. - The Town of Colony held a special Alabama Bicentennial celebration Saturday, unveiling five murals depicting the community’s history, churches and people. In a ceremony held at the town’s Educational Complex, guests listened to songs and readings that gave insight into the history of Colony.
The moving ceremony looked back at the town’s origins. Founded by many former...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) on Monday began putting out blue ribbons to kick off Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the Cullman area. The nonprofit was joined by members of the Hurricane Creek chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA).
BACA is an international child advocacy organization in the form of a motorcycle club whose...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay shared a heartbreaking story about this week’s Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Sam’s owner loved him but was simply unable to keep him. Forced to give him up by circumstances beyond the family’s control, his young human kissed him good-bye at the shelter. This canine friend is accustomed to...
CULLMAN, Ala. - As a partner with Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK), The Cullman Tribune is proud to announce that the Kids Caring for Kids cereal drive, sponsored by Citizens Bank and Trust, has netted CCK’s community food bank 1,316 boxes of cereal to be distributed to area families in need. The agency helps 600 to 650 families per...
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Monday evening, the City of Cullman Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for Rock the South (RTS) to use its proposed new location at the intersection of County Roads 469 and 436 on May 31 and June 1, contingent upon the issuance of an event permit by the City of Cullman. The request specified...
BAILEYTON, Ala. - The Baileyton Town Council on Monday night adopted a resolution officially opposing the Cullman County Board of Education's (CCBOE) "Project X," the multi-use sports complex set to be built near Alabama Highway 157 and Interstate 65. The new county half-cent sales tax, along with lodging tax money contributed by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce, will...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on April 1, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 28
domestic violence; CR 1568
trespassing; CR 719
theft of property; Hwy. 31
violation of protection order; Town Square SW
domestic violence; Mize Rd. N
harassment; CR 601
permitting dogs to run at large;...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Monday officially proclaimed the month of April “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” (SAAM) in the city of Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation from Jacobs were the following representatives of Victim Services of Cullman, Inc.: Carol Horstman, executive director; Charlotte Jones, court advocate; and Lauren Orth, counselor.
SAAM is a campaign that...
This community profile was originally printed in the special "Community Matters" section of the March 19, 2019 edition of The Cullman Tribune.
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Incorporated in 1967, Fairview is under the mayoral leadership of Keith Henry, who expressed love for his town, saying, “I love the people, I love the closeness of the community, people willing to help out...
This community profile was originally printed in the special "Community Matters" section of the March 19, 2019 edition of The Cullman Tribune.
DODGE CITY, Ala. - Dodge City was incorporated as a municipality of Cullman County in 1993; it is located south of the center of Cullman County, just off the west side of I-65, on Exit 299. Dodge City...
Updated 3-31-19 8:08 p.m.
JONES CHAPEL, Ala. – A Cullman man was killed in a single-vehicle wreck Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 278 West near the community of Jones Chapel.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick confirmed the fatality, identifying the victim as Joshua Patrick Watson, 40.
Kilpatrick said the crash happened near the 9200 block of Hwy. 278 W at approximately...
UPDATE: https://www.cullmantribune.com/2019/03/31/update-cullman-man-identified-as-victim-in-sunday-crash/
JONES CHAPEL, Ala. - One person was killed in a single-vehicle wreck Sunday morning on U.S. Highway 278 West near the community of Jones Chapel.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick confirmed the fatality. He said the crash happened near the 9200 block at approximately 9 a.m.
The identity of the victim will not be released until family has been...
U.S. Air Force National Guard Airman Jordan Creel graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville City Council held public hearings Thursday night regarding two zoning ordinances.
The first ordinance, 623, addressed the R1 zoning of the Michael Chandler property on Alabama Highway 91. With no one bringing forth concerns or opposition, the ordinance was passed.
The second ordinance, 624, addressed the rezoning of the Willingham Financial, LLC property at Boyd Street...
CULLMAN, Ala. - It was perfect weather Saturday morning for the inaugural Garrison Gives Hope 5K Walk and Run. R.E. Garrison Trucking, through its organization Garrison Gives Hope, hosted the event to raise money for the Stephen K. Griffith Memorial Fund, which benefits the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation and more worthy causes.
“All proceeds go toward LOCAL FOLKS who...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Next week is the City of Cullman’s annual Spring Cleanup. From April 1-5, Cullman City Sanitation will pick up furniture, mattresses, appliances and other large items at no extra charge. City Sanitation customers who wish to participate are asked to place items curbside as early as possible. Customers are asked to NOT place items in the...
CULLMAN, Ala. - St. Bernard is preparing to host its 35th annual Bloomin’ Festival Arts and Crafts Fair April 6-7. The juried event, which requires each potential vendor to be evaluated before admission, draws a variety of talent a step above the average community craft show, making the festival one of the most highly rated of its kind in...
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A Crane Hill couple, Walter Michael “Mike” Williams and Amy Butler Williams, on Thursday were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly withholding payroll taxes from their employees at Hanceville-based Dixie Steel Erectors, but not handing the tax money over to the IRS, using it instead for personal expenses including a lake house.
On Friday, the...
Here are some events happening around the Cullman area on Saturday, March 30.
Smith Lake Park Spring Yard Sale- Saturday, March 30
Join us on Saturday, March 30 for our Smith Lake Park Spring Yard Sale! It's free to the public! Set up begins at 6 a.m. and sale begins at 7 a.m.
Vendor grass spots are $10 and pavilions are $35...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 29, 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
March 27
identity theft, second-degree forgery; Integrated Transportation Solutions, LLC.
harassment; person
duty upon striking an unattended vehicle; person; Town Square Shopping Center; damage to...
With its “theater in the round” staging, the cast of St. Bernard’s “The Wizard of Oz” gets up close with the audience. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. - Theatrical innovation is becoming the norm in the Cullman area: Cullman High School flying characters over its stage, Cullman County Schools launching its first countywide casting call, Wallace State...
Hanceville Mayor Pro-Tem Jim Sawyer and City Clerk Tania Wilcox watch as Councilman Jimmie Nuss signs a resolution at Thursday night’s Hanceville City Council meeting. The council passed the resolution to notify the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE), Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and Hanceville Board Member Kenny Brockman that the City of Hanceville is against the construction of...
MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The University of Montevallo and Wallace State Community College have announced a partnership to offer students an easy transition from the community college to the four-year public university. The formalized program, ContinuUM, offers Wallace State students guaranteed admission to UM and eligibility for scholarships after earning an associate degree or 45 transferable credit hours.
“We are thrilled...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville City Council on Thursday night adopted a resolution to notify the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE), Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette and Hanceville Board Member Kenny Brockman that the City of Hanceville is against the construction of the multi-use sports complex ("Project X"), which is to be paid for by the recently-passed half-cent sales...
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The application process is now open for students wishing to apply to Health Science programs at Wallace State Community College. Most of the college’s programs select new students for admission each fall through a competitive application process. In most cases, the application process runs from March 1 to June 1.
Exceptions to the March 1-June 1 application...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 28, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 25
unlawful possession of controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, illegal possession of prescription drugs; Hwy. 69 S
unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession...
Workers surround the area where a gas main was cut in Fairview Thursday morning. (Courtesy of Brandi Handley)
UPDATE 3/28/19 at 12:06 p.m.: The roadway is now open.
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Alabama Highway 69 has been shut down in Fairview between the Dollar General and Chesley Oaks Golf Course due to a cut gas main. Officials say there is no danger...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Kathy Wilson, Chairperson of the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, shares the work of the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and its list of entities whose policies may encourage sexual exploitation:
The NCOSE is the leading organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Good news! Our recent canine friend Ginger and last week’s featured pup Bella have both been adopted! But the Cullman County Animal Shelter is still pretty full, so volunteer Donna Ruttkay shares an extra Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:Bobo, a foxhound mix, is a medium-energy pet. He could have a good future as a therapy,...
Col. John G. Cullmann (Larry Rowlette) helps lead a tour in 2018. (Cullman Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN, Ala. - April is upon us (on Monday), which means the popular April Walking Tours will begin next Saturday, April 6. Begun by the Alabama Tourism Department 10 years ago, the April Walking Tours take place every Saturday morning in April in several...
Mark Johnson, owner of Hometown Locksmith, works on a job in Cullman this week. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. – Hometown Locksmith has been open in Cullman for just a year, but owner Mark Johnson is hardly new to the business. Johnson has lived in Cullman for most of his life and has spent the last two...
Councilwoman Ethel Alexander, Mayor Donnis Leeth and Councilman Samuel Ashford show a little preview of the mural project to be unveiled Saturday. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
COLONY, Ala. - The Colony Town Council on Tuesday evening shared with The Tribune a sample of the Alabama 200 Bicentennial mural project members are set to unveil at 5 p.m. this...
Left to right, back row: Rep. Corey “Turkey” Harbison, “Count” Mayor Jerry Bartlett, Councilwoman Susan “Hippie Chick” Eller, Councilman Maxie “Cowboy” Jones and Deputy Eric Robertson; left to right, front row: Harper Salisbury, Anna Salisbury, Destiny Siegel and Lilliana Siegel take part in Good Hope’s Halloween costume contest on Oct. 31, 2018. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
This profile...
Members of area school fishing teams pose for pictures with pro fishermen and representatives of Major League Fishing, along with local officials, after the announcement on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019 that Cullman and Smith Lake will host Stage Five of the 2019 Major League Fishing Bass Tour from April 30 through May 5. The event will coincide with a...
Wallace State alum Timothy Alexander visited campus to present during TRIO Day.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Timothy Alexander began his story at Wallace State and continues to inspire individuals every day.
Alexander, a 2011 Wallace State graduate, recently returned to campus to speak during TRIO Day, addressing Talent Search students within the college’s Student Support Services organization.
While attending the former Erwin High...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 27, 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
March 26
fourth-degree theft of property; Hobby Lobby; Town Square SW; miscellaneous; $63
Arrests
March 26
Rollo, Jennifer L., 36
FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
FTA- possession...
Charles B. Richey, left; Russell J. Shelton, right (Cullman Police Department)
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Police Department (CPD) on Wednesday named the two suspects arrested in connection with the March 1, 2019 robbery of the Woodforest National Bank inside the Wal-Mart on Olive Street in Cullman. The CPD first reported the pair’s arrest on March 14, but said Wednesday...
A group of eight made up of Wallace State Nursing faculty and students will travel to Kenya March 27-April 7 for a global health outreach with Kenya Relief. A week of events were held March 18-22 in advance of their trip. Pictured from left are, in front, students Holly Smith, Nicole Stoddard, Ashley McClintock and Karly Payne; in back,...
A group of eight made up of Wallace State Nursing faculty and students will travel to Kenya March 27-April 7 for a global health outreach with Kenya Relief. A week of events were held March 18-22 in advance of their trip. Pictured from left are, in front, students Holly Smith, Nicole Stoddard, Ashley McClintock and Karly Payne; in back,...
Lee Ann Matanane (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN, Ala. - A Cullman County jury last Thursday found Lee Ann Matanane, 55, guilty of the attempted murder of her estranged husband Benito Matanane. She was also convicted of first-degree burglary for entering his house with a weapon and second-degree assault on Clara Mitchell, the woman she found with him. Matanane pleaded...
Local realtor Ben Ponder addresses the Cullman County Commission at its meeting Tuesday morning. (Maggie Darnell for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. - Several residents attended Tuesday’s Cullman County Commission meeting for an opportunity to ask questions and voice concerns regarding the new half-cent sales tax approved at the March 12 commission meeting.
Chairman Kenneth Walker repeatedly advised that questions regarding...
Left to right are Commissioner Kerry Watson, Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Javon Daniel, Chairman Kenneth Walker, Cullman Caring for Kids Assistant Director Nancy Bryant and Commissioner Garry Marchman. (Maggie Darnell for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission on Tuesday proclaimed April Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Cullman County. Cullman Caring for Kids...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 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 Department
Incidents
March 25
unauthorized breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; Women’s Outreach; 2nd Ave. SW; money bag; unknown amount of property value
duty upon...
Photos courtesy Javon Daniel/CCK
Cullman Caring for Kids Executive Director Javon Daniel reported that cereal shelves in the agency’s community food pantry are packed full, thanks to a drive among area elementary schools sponsored by Citizens Bank. The drive was a contest to see which school could turn in the most cereal, and the numbers are being tabulated now. Winners...
Diablo's Southwest Grill is located at 1302 Second Ave. SW (U.S. Hwy. 31) in Cullman. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN, Ala. - Diablo's Southwest Grill is set to open on Monday, April 8 in Cullman, the third restaurant to open in a new complex located at 1302 Second Ave. SW (U.S. Hwy. 31) in the last three months....
Steve Neer of Near and Far Connections helps clean up a property in White City. (Courtesy of Kathy McLeroy)
WHITE CITY, Ala. - After a tornado touched down in White City on March 14, affected residents leaned on the kindness of others to help them through those first tough days. What they might not have known is that Steve and...
The city of Hanceville turns 140 this year and has a year of festivals and celebrations planned for the city’s residents. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
This profile was part of The Cullman Tribune's special "Community Matters" section on March 19, 2019.
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The city of Hanceville turns 140 this year and has a year of festivals and...
Good Hope City Council (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - Back in May 2018, the Good Hope City Council, based on an opinion from the Good Hope Planning Commission, hired consulting firm Kendig Keast Collaborative to review the City’s zoning ordinance. On Monday night, the council approved a new zoning ordinance, the goal of which is...
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week:
Ginger is a fairly big dog, a German shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix who’s around 2 years of age. She’s a gentle giant: a low- to medium-energy pet with what Ruttkay describes as “a soft heart.” She could make a good therapy, support or...
Ashley Wilson (left) with volunteers Crystal Stone, Ethan Ponder, Jeremy Holley and Brandon Snider spent Thursday unloading stacks of storage totes to get Curt’s Closet ready for summer.
CULLMAN, Ala. - A year has passed since Ashley Wilson opened Curt’s Closet, a local charity to help disadvantaged kids, in the name of her son Curtis Wilson, who died in a...
Colony Mayor Donnis Leeth displays the award naming the town of Colony a 2019 Healthcare Champion in the Morehouse School of Medicine Healthy Communities Initiative, for its development of a community garden. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
This profile was part of The Cullman Tribune's special "Community Matters" section on March 19, 2019.
COLONY, Ala. - In the last year,...
Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown (Cullman County Courts)
CULLMAN, Ala. - During last Tuesday’s special school tax renewal referendum, the district in the New Canaan precinct that lies within the corporate limits of the City of Arab turned in no votes from any of the 17 registered voters, resulting in the 3-mill Arab city tax renewal failing to pass.
Due...
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 25, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
March 21
harassment, menacing; CR 285
theft of property; CR 1344
unlawful possession of marijuana; Hwy. 91
domestic violence; CR 1114
unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a...
Skylar Lyn Rittenberry (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN, Ala. - A Cullman woman was arrested Friday, charged with second-degree rape, second-degree sodomy, transmitting obscene material to a child and traveling to meet a child for unlawful act.
According to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), an investigation involving suspect Skylar Lyn Rittenberry, 18, led to warrants for Rittenberry’s arrest. The CCSO...
Memorial service for Mr. James Byron Leslie, 87, of Hanceville, will be Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Hanceville First United Methodist Church. There will be an Ice Cream Social, at Faith Hall, Saturday immediately following the Memorial Service.
Mr. Leslie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha “Pete” Leslie of Hanceville, AL; his sons,...
