Council President Jenny Folsom, right, presents Wallace State Director of Adult Education Cynthia Arrington a proclamation naming Sept. 23-29 Adult Literacy Week in Cullman. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, the Cullman City Council would have had almost nothing to talk about, if not for the good news of recognizing employees’ service and approving applications...
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College is recognizing Sept. 23-29 as Adult Education and Family Literacy Week. The week is held during National Literacy Month and raises public awareness about the need for and value of adult education and family literacy.
The goal is to leverage resources that support access to basic education programs for the 36 million U.S. adults...
DECATUR – The North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) has been awarded a $254,172 grant from Senior Service America, Inc. (SSAI). Almost 90 percent of this grant – originally from the U.S. Department of Labor – will provide temporary employment to at least 48 low-income older adults living in Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan Counties. These older adults will participate in...
Hannah Bates’ father, Lionel Bates, center, looks upward after balloons in his late daughter's favorite colors were released Sunday at Sportsman Lake Park. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - Employees of Marx Optical in Cullman gathered for a work picnic at Sportsman Lake Park Sunday afternoon where they honored their former co-worker, Hannah Bates. Bates, who was killed...
Left: Auburn University student Olivia Benefield of Cullman in Cullman County received the $1,000 R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Scholarship Reception at the Ham Wilson Livestock Arena in Auburn Sept. 20. Benefield is a sophomore studying agricultural science. The scholarship is given in memory of Ronny Donaldson and was established by family, friends and members of...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 20-23, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018
Burgess, Nathan Robert, 40
first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Cruz, Xavier Sabastian, 18
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Garrett, Wesley Nathaniel, 36
probation violation- unlawful possession of...
Joshua Dewayne Finley (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN - A Hanceville man is facing an attempted murder charge following a shooting in Garden City Friday. Joshua Dewayne Finley, 31, is also charged with first-degree assault and third-degree burglary.
Finley was the target of a nearly four-hour manhunt Friday, Sept. 21 after he allegedly shot someone at a residence in Garden City...
Guests play Magic the Gathering at Valhalla Comics and Collectibles in Cullman. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - Valhalla Comics and Collectibles, located at U.S. Highway 278 and Main Street (1108 Fourth St. SW), hopes to give all gamers a place to meet and have a fun time. It is much more than a comic book store.
One of...
Image of a black bear courtesy of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
CULLMAN COUNTY - Cullman County Animal Control confirmed that "several" people reported seeing a black bear in northeast Cullman County on Sunday.
Sgt. Chris Westmoreland said no one from animal control or the Cullman County Sheriff's Office has actually seen the bear (or bears), but there...
CULLMAN - “Dust off your cowboy hats and pull on your dancin’ boots” is what The United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) is asking its supporters to do. The organization’s Young Professionals Board is hosting the inaugural Women United event this Thursday, Sept. 27 from 6-9 p.m. at Loft 212.
Women United will be a casual and fun-filled event to...
Front row: Jackie Ridgeway, Karri Willis Ridgeway, Patrick James and Bobby McDowell; back row: Dale Ball and Lynn Jones (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Elks Disaster Relief Team and cooking crew headed out for Beulaville, North Carolina Saturday afternoon to feed residents and first responders in wake of Hurricane Florence. Cullman Elks Lynn Jones, Kerri...
County Commissioners and staff work on the FY 2019 budget at the commission office Thursday. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
Updated 9-22-18 9:38 p.m.
Editor's Note: A correction has been made to this story. Where the story originally said, based on paperwork provided to The Tribune by the Cullman County Commission: "The largest line item increases go to the Cullman...
Sammie Danford, left, and Becky Goff, right (United Way of Cullman County)
CULLMAN - On Friday, the United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) announced the departure of Executive Director Sammie Danford, who told The Tribune that she is retiring to take things easy for a while and pursue service opportunities through her church. Assistant Director Becky Goff has been appointed...
Representatives from Good Hope High School, the City of Good Hope, the City of Cullman, Cullman County, the Cullman County School Board and the Cullman County Bicentennial Committee pose on the steps of the Cullman County Museum. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - Representatives from Good Hope High School, one of 200 Alabama schools selected as an official...
The Hanceville Police Department seized 27 pounds of marijuana, $10,000 and multiple firearms after serving warrants Monday and Tuesday. The first arrest in the case was Joshua Lott, pictured. (Hanceville Police Department)
HANCEVILLE - The Hanceville Police Department seized 27 pounds of marijuana, $10,000 in cash and multiple firearms this week, according to Assistant Chief Adam Hadder, who said it...
Pictured are O.B. "Red" Parris, Marcus Clark, Jack Sides, John Knight, Buford Lowry and Donald E. Green
The City of Cullman sends condolences to the family of former Cullman City Councilman O.B. "Red" Parris. Red, 80, passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018. He was loved and respected by the people of Cullman, and by everyone with whom he came...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 20, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Garrett, Wesley N., 36
possession of drug paraphernalia
Hanceville Police Department
No report provided.
Find arrest reports online Monday-Friday at www.CullmanTribune.com.
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry addresses the media following the capture of shooting suspect Joshua Finley Friday morning. (Cullman Tribune video)
GARDEN CITY - The suspect in an early-morning shooting in Garden City is in custody following a manhunt that lasted approximately four hours Friday. Joshua Finley, 31, was tracked down in the woods by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office...
Joshua Finley (Cullman County Sheriff's Office)
LATEST UPDATE HERE: http://www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2018/09/21/shooting-suspect-custody-following-manhunt-charges-pending
Update 9-21-18 10:28 a.m.
Finley has been captured.
Update 9-21-18 8:45 a.m.
The CCSO is actively searching for the shooting suspect, identified by as Joshua Finley.
Finley is a white male, 31 years old, 6' tall, 230 pounds
Finley was last seen wearing blue jeans and a blue shirt.
He was last seen between Crosshaven Church...
Concept art shows the planned technical education center at Wallace State in Hanceville. (Courtesy of Wallace State)
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State's long-term goal of opening a technical education center to equip workers with new, in-demand skills got a significant boost Thursday, when U.S. Sec. of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is...
ElleRae Salon owners Julianna McSwain and Danielle Overton pose for a photo at Thursday’s grand opening celebration of the salon’s new location on Graham Street in Cullman. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - ElleRae Salon celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning.
Owners Julianna McSwain and Danielle Overton were congratulated by the...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 17-19, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Monday, Sept. 17, 2018
Brown, Cody Weston, 27
possession of drug paraphernalia
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
second-degree assault
attempting to elude
Campbell, Jake Austin, 21
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Curington, Justin Eugene, 32
first-degree theft of...
Rev. Joe McNulty of Cornerstone Church (left) presents a check to Good Samaritan Executive Director Jolanda Hutson (right), accompanied by Clinic Administrator Cindy Barnett and Nurse Practitioner Stephanie Barnett (center, left and right). (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Tuesday, Cullman’s Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene (CCN) began a new partnership with Good Samaritan Health Clinic (GSHC),...
Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill talks to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy Tuesday night about election processes. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Tuesday evening, while addressing the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Citizens’ Academy, Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill took time to talk to the class about incursions into the state’s election...
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry (left) welcomed Cullman County District Judge Rusty Turner, Cullman County Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas, Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill, and others to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Citizens’ Academy Tuesday evening. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - The second 2018 session of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Citizens’ Academy has been...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 18, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Johns, Taylor N., 20
reckless endangerment
possession of drug paraphernalia
Rodgers, Joshua A., 33
third-degree criminal trespassing
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Reeves, Dana L., 38
unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
possession...
Timothy Collins (Courtesy of Facebook)
CULLMAN - Visitation and service information for Cullman Today founder Tim Collins has been announced. Collins passed away Monday following a brief illness.
Visitation will be today, Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 6-8 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at Cullman Heritage on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. Burial will be at...
The inaugural Smith Lake Country Music Festival will take place Saturday, Sept. 29 at Smith Lake Park. Tickets for the event, which organizers say is for the whole family to enjoy, are $15. Children five and younger are free. Gates open at noon. (Smith Lake Country Music Festival)
CULLMAN - The inaugural Smith Lake Country Music Festival will take place Saturday,...
CULLMAN - In recognition of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Cullman Regional is offering free prostate cancer screenings in the Cullman Regional Urology Clinic on Sept. 26, Oct. 17 and Nov. 14. While the screenings are free, an appointment is required. Schedule an appointment by calling the Cullman Regional Urology Clinic at 256-737-2177.
The screenings offer opportunities to check your risk...
(Left to right) Berlin Mayor Patrick Bates, Councilman Donald Gunter and Councilman Jimbo Quick discuss town business Monday night. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
BERLIN - The Berlin Town Council held its monthly meeting Monday night, welcoming Jeff Pruitt, executive director of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG), to present the benefits of joining the organization.
NARCOG provides...
Tyler Hudson, who was arrested for the murder of Daniel Ray Osborn II in March, on Tuesday was denied youthful offender status in the crime. (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN - On Tuesday afternoon, Tyler Hudson, who was arrested with Andrew Maresh in March for the murder of Daniel Ray Osborn, Jr., saw his motion for youthful offender (YO) status...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 17, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
McClintock, Joshua K., 22
third-degree criminal trespassing
York, Kodi V., 23
unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
possession of drug paraphernalia
Stiefelmeyer, Carl A. III, 53
fourth-degree theft of property
FTA- public...
Updated 9-18-18 4:12 p.m.
BREMEN - A Bremen woman drowned in Smith Lake over the weekend.
The body of Jamie Mardell Martin, 28, was found early Sunday morning in the water near a residence on County Road 67 in the community of Bremen, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
A spokesman for the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office said the incident...
The Highway 31 North Dairy Queen has served customers since 1955. It will be closing by Oct. 31, 2018. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
Updated 9-18-18 10:46 p.m.
CULLMAN - A longtime staple of north downtown Cullman is closing its doors. Dairy Queen, located at 410 Second Ave. (U.S. Highway 31 North) announced Tuesday it will be closed by Oct....
TUSCALOOSA - A total of 493 students enrolled during the 2018 summer term at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean's List with an academic record of 3.5 or above or the President's List with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's).
The UA Dean's and President's Lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to...
Trent Richardson signs with the Alliance Birmingham in the new Alliance of American Football league on Aug. 29, 2018 (Courtesy of WVTM 13)
VINEMONT - With a little help from a Cullman area church, the Vinemont Eagles will have a boost on the sidelines for their homecoming game this Friday, when former Alabama Crimson Tide star and pro running back...
Timothy Collins (Courtesy of Facebook)
Updated 9-18-18 5:48 p.m.
CULLMAN - It is with sadness that we report the news of the passing of Cullman Today founder Timothy Collins after a brief illness. Tim had only been in Cullman a few short years, but he amassed a large and loyal following on Facebook and in the community. The Cullman County emergency...
The Garden City Town Council passed its FY2019 budget Monday evening. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
GARDEN CITY - On Monday evening, the Garden City Town Council had a full agenda to consider, including the FY 2019 budget, a new local tax and two measures to help out local emergency responders.
The 2019 budget is similar to last year’s in...
CULLMAN - As women, we lead busy lives. Taking time out for our own health can feel like an impossible task. Join Cullman Regional at its Think Pink Luncheon on Oct. 5 at Top of the Town for a discussion about current women’s health issues including tips for staying healthy, breast cancer early detection, convenient health care and more.
Designs...
Stacie McCay (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
BREMEN - A Pinson woman was arrested at a traffic safety checkpoint in Cullman County Saturday when approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine were allegedly found in her vehicle.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies, along with agents with the Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET), arrested Stacie Rene McCay, 41, for possession with intent to distribute...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 13-16, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
Clark, Jamie Ray, 42
FTA- first-degree assault
Farr, Justin Wayne, 27
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Jackson, Timothy Ray, 39
third-degree elder abuse or neglect
Stancil, Patricia Ann, 51
FTA- negotiating a worthless...
Robert Lee Kimbrough, Jr. (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN - An Arab, Alabama man has been indicted by a Cullman County grand jury for murder in the April 2017 death of a Blountsville man.
Robert Lee Kimbrough, Jr., 29, was indicted for murder (AL Code 13A-6-2 (a3)) and two counts of first-degree burglary stemming from the April 4, 2017 incident in...
Emma Pierce (St. Bernard Prep)
CULLMAN - Emma Pierce, a senior at St. Bernard Prep School, has been named Cullman County’s only National Merit Semifinalist in the 2019 National Merit Scholarship Program.
Pierce joined with approximately 16,000 semifinalists in the 64th annual National Merit Scholarship Program where talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some...
CULLMAN - Do you or a loved one currently use a CPAP? If you are new to CPAP or have been using it for years, you’re invited to join us at Cullman Regional for a Cullman A.W.A.K.E. (Alert, Well, And Keeping Energetic) support group meeting. We will have sleep professionals present to answer questions and provide information, as well...
CULLMAN - Cullman Regional is hosting a Water Therapy for Chronic Pain seminar on Thursday, Sept. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
One of the most debilitating conditions a person can endure is chronic pain, which is any type of pain lasting for more than six months. Chronic pain can occur in many different parts of the human body,...
Area students participate in the SingKids! session of ArtsKids! at Wallace State sing during the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony in December 2017.
HANCEVILLE - The Wallace State Community College Fine and Performing Arts program is beginning the second year of its ArtsKids! Program, adding an additional option for students interested in dance, and all are offered free of charge.
“We are...
Elks members will be at the Cullman Elks Lodge (1609 Brantley Ave. NW) accepting donations Sunday (Sept. 16) from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and weekdays from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. until the truck departs. Find out more at www.facebook.com/CullmanElksLodge1609. (Photo courtesy of Cullman Elks Lodge #1609)
CULLMAN - Cullman Elks Lodge #1609 is reaching out to help those in the Carolinas in...
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College congratulates the 263 students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Summer 2018 Semester. To earn a spot on the Wallace State President’s List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a course load of 12 or more hours. Placement on the Dean’s List is...
Lt. Matthew Bales with his K-9, Tommy, a Belgian Malinois (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - K-9 Deputy Tommy was ready to get to work Friday morning as he and his partner, Lt. Matthew Bales, arrived at the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Tommy is a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois who is one of four trained and certified drug...
Left to right: John Eslava, Gracie Walker, Emma Dortch and Mildred Lemus work on this week’s edition of “The Eagle Flyer” at Vinemont Middle School. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
VINEMONT - Vinemont Middle School introduced several new classes to its curriculum this year, one of which is Introduction to Journalism taught by Sonya Mabry. The class now writes...
CCBOE Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette (Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN - At its meeting Thursday evening, the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) held its final public budget hearing and passed a budget just shy of $102 million for the 2018-19 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette described the budget and a few of its highlights:
“It’s going to be a very large...
CULLMAN - On Thursday evening, the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) voted unanimously to authorize the display of the U.S. National Motto “In God We Trust” in the offices of each county system school and to allow teachers the option of displaying the motto in their classrooms, as well.
Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette told The Tribune Friday, “I’m excited...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 13, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Farr, Justin W., 27
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
Addison, Byron T., 43
attempting to elude
Hankins, Tyler M., 23
FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
FTA- insurance violation
Hale, Timothy L., 22
possession of...
Judson College Student Ambassadors begin a campus tour at Jewett Hall on Preview Day in 2017. (Photo by Mary Amelia Taylor)
MARION - Judson College invites prospective students and their families to visit the Judson campus in Marion, Alabama for Preview & Scholarship Day on Sept. 22. The event will begin with check-in at 9 a.m. CST. Prospective students may...
Pictured left to right are: Billy Jackson, Martha Lawrence and Will Harding
The Cullman Rotary Club this week presented a $4,000 donation to Cullman’s Little Pantry.
“Cullman’s Little Pantry has provided such a positive impact on the community, and we are so proud of Ms. (Martha) Lawrence and her dedication to serving others. Such a great representation of Service Above Self.”
Find...
A developer’s drawing of Hanceville’s incoming Taco Bell
HANCEVILLE - It wasn’t Tuesday, but it was still taco day for the Hanceville City Council at its meeting Thursday evening. Council members and visitors viewed concept art for the new Taco Bell that will go up on the site of the old Hardee’s across from Wallace State, and heard about construction...
Hit Australian country trio Dozzi will headline Friday’s entertainment on the DQ stage. (Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce)
CULLMAN - This Friday, Sept. 14, the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce will host the last 2nd Friday celebration of the 2018 season, and it’s going big. An actual sanctioned multi-state cornhole tournament and a free concert by rapidly-rising country trio Dozzi...
Concerned parents and teachers filled the room at Thursday night's meeting of the Cullman City School Board. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
Updated 9-14-18 at 8:30 a.m.
CULLMAN - It was standing-room-only Thursday night at the Cullman City School Board meeting, where at least 15 frustrated and concerned parents were in attendance to voice their concerns about what they said...
BIRMINGHAM - A federal judge has ordered the Cullman County sheriff and court officials to modify Cullman County’s bond procedures, in a class action case involving arrestees who claim indigent status and are unable to post assigned bonds. On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala made good on the promise she made in her memorandum opinion and order...
CULLMAN - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces us to The Cullman Tribune’s (bonus) Pet of the Week:
Monroe is an older dog whose body and stubby tail indicate that he’s got a fair bit of boxer in him. He’s a low-energy, submissive pet who could be a great comfort or companion dog. He likes to be close...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 10-12, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Monday, Sept. 10, 2018
Bagwell, Westley Lamar, 38
FTA- DUI- .08 BAC or greater
FTA- violation of a domestic protection order
Juarez, Sharon, 41
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)
McCloud, John Martin, 50
FTA- disorderly conduct
Mooney,...
Pictured left to right are Pat Kahler, Mayor Woody Jacobs Jacobs, Rhonda Van Zandt and Linda Kuykendall.
CULLMAN - On Wednesday, Sept. 12, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed the week of Sept. 17-23, 2018, “Constitution Week” in the city of Cullman.
On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met to sign the U.S. Constitution. Sept. 17, 2018...
John Patrick Parsons, left, and Justin Eugene Curington, right (Cullman County Sheriff's Office)
CULLMAN - Two Cullman County inmates who escaped while on work release duty Wednesday have been captured, according to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
"The two inmates have been located and arrested in Illinois and will be brought back to Cullman," said a spokesman for the CCSO...
WellStone Behavioral Health Chief Operating Officer Chris Van Dyke (right) presents WellStone’s and the Cullman Area Mental Health Foundation’s inaugural Martha Hayes Leadership Award to R.E. Garrison Trucking, represented by Sarah Frances Lovell (left) and Wyles Griffith (center), for its establishment of the Stephen K. Griffith Memorial Fund. (W.C Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Wednesday, Wellstone Behavioral...
JACKSONVILLE - More than 300 students received degrees at Jacksonville State University in summer 2018. Cullman-area graduates include:
-Mary Benefield, of Holly Pond
-Edward Bishop, of Cullman
-Jessica Hall, of Hanceville
-Aaron Peeples, of Hanceville
-Clancie Quattlebaum, of Logan
-Justin Raper, of Cullman
-Rebekah Westbrook, of Cullman
A group of outstanding students has been selected to be Jacksonville State University Ambassadors for the 2018-19 academic year, including:
-Harley...
Left to right: Baileyton Town Clerk Patricia Gilbert, Mayor Johnny Dyar, Councilman Gene Sumner and Councilwoman Myra Martin (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
BAILEYTON - The Baileyton Town Council this week voted to install rumble strips on Schoolhouse Road, citing speeding and safety concerns.
The council discussed the request for the strips on Schoolhouse Road, near Walker Brothers Lumber, particularly...
Kristen Leigh Gullion (Jefferson County Jail)
BIRMINGHAM - A Cullman woman, one of two people charged with capital murder in the deaths of an elderly Birmingham couple, has been extradited from Florida and was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Tuesday. Kristen Leigh Gullion, now 31, and her boyfriend Zachary Phillips, 23, of Arab are each charged with capital murder and...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 11, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Hitt, Bryan A. 22
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
Montgomery, Christopher E., 31
third-degree criminal trespassing
FTA- fourth-degree theft of property
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
FTA- insurance violation (2 counts)
FTA- driving while...
John Patrick Parsons, left, and Justin Eugene Curington, right (Cullman County Sheriff's Office)
CULLMAN - Two escaped Cullman County Detention Center inmates remain at large, according to Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. The pair of work release inmates, John Patrick Parsons and Justin Eugene Curington, allegedly stole a vehicle near the Shell Station on U.S. Highway 31 South Wednesday morning.
According...
Colony Town Council, left to right: Curtis Johnson, Melvin Hammond, Ethel Alexander, Samuel Ashford, Mayor Donnis Leeth and Clerk Patricia Ponder. One seat remains vacant. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
COLONY - On Tuesday evening, the Colony Town Council accepted the resignation of Mary Parker, chairwoman of the council’s finance committee, creating a second vacancy. Parker was not present...
Neil Putman proudly shows off his new learner’s permit. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - Back in July, The Tribune sat down with Neil Putman with the Cullman County Revenue Office. Neil is a client of Flourish, a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with developmental disabilities gain independence. Neil suffered a traumatic brain injury as a child and...
CULLMAN - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces us to The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week:
Devotion is an approximately 1-year-old black lab mix with beautiful tuxedo markings. She’s good with other dogs and seems to assist in the rehabilitation of her fellow canines. And as good as she is around other pets, Ruttkay said Devotion “shines”...
Left to right: Alabama American Legion Commander Harry Christian, National Commander of the American Legion Brett Reistad and Cullman American Legion Post 4 Commander Harold Barnard pose for a photo at Veterans Memorial Park at Sportsman Lake in Cullman. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - American Legion Post 4 in Cullman welcomed the newly-elected National Commander of the...
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry speaks to Cullman County Commission members during a commission work session at the Cullman County Courthouse Tuesday morning. (Hayden Hyatt for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is requesting an increase in funding of approximately $1.5 million from the Cullman County Commission for FY 2019. The increase is needed, according...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 10, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Little, Benjamin J., 38
possession of drug paraphernalia
Ferguson, Shaun B., 41
GJ- possession of a forged instrument (2 counts)
Castner, Linda S., 66
fourth-degree theft of property
Scott, Taylor J., 25
FTA- public...
Dylan, Brittney and Mason Daugherty shortly before Brittney passed away in July 2018 (courtesy of the family)
HANCEVILLE - A memorial ride for Brittney Daugherty was held Saturday to help raise money for her family. Brittney was just 22 years old when she passed away in July from cardiac arrest. Married just a year, Dylan and Brittney Daugherty welcomed their...
Fairview Mayor Keith Henry speaks to town council members during Monday night’s meeting. (Hayden Hyatt for The Cullman Tribune)
FAIRVIEW – The Fairview Town Council discussed walking track improvements and new signage, among other town business, at its meeting Monday night.
Council members approved a motion to fill cracks in the pavement of the walking track at the community park. The...
Mayor Woody Jacobs, right, listens as City Attorney Roy Williams explains Amendment 722 funding for Cullman's Technology Village. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, the Cullman City Council had an agenda full of plans to expand city boundaries and local industry, update utility services and promote community events.
The council approved two rezoning requests:
to rezone property...
Naval Lieutenant Commander (LCDR) Chris Lynn walks along the West Colonnade, which connects the West Wing to the Residence and is often seen as the backdrop to Rose Garden events at the White House.
HANCEVILLE - U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Christopher Lynn, RN, BSN, MBA, CCRN, CEN, has a lot of initials behind his name that help to tell his...
Cub Scout Pack 213 is having its first big pack meeting tonight at Cullman First United Methodist Church at 6 p.m.
Member Coordinator Lesley Hyde said the pack is revamping and revitalizing its program. Boys in grades Kindergarten through fifth grade can register tonight or any Monday night.
The pack has campouts, festivals, and trips (including the zoo) planned.
For any questions...
CULLMAN - Cullman’s Gravel Ridge Farms is recalling its cage free large eggs due to a potential contamination of Salmonella: “The recall was initiated because reported illnesses were confirmed at locations using Gravel Ridge Farm Eggs, and we are voluntarily recalling out of an abundance of caution.”
Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 6-9, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018
Bevington, Brian Alan, 51
FTA- fleeing/attempting to elude
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)
FTA- first-degree receiving stolen property
FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
FTA- unlawful breaking and entering of...
WellStone Behavioral Health COO Chris Van Dyke speaks about the Stepping Up Initiative at the June 12, 2018 Cullman County Commission meeting. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) recently requested community mental health centers provide a plan for case management services to establish an ongoing program in their county to reduce the...
Bama Blu-Grace performs during the second annual Bernard Blues and BBQ Arts, Crafts and Music Festival on Sunday. (Hayden Hyatt for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – On Saturday and Sunday, a scorcher and a soaker, thousands came out to Saint Bernard Abbey and Prep School to enjoy food, live music, arts and crafts and other vendors during the second annual...
Lee McClellan (Cullman Police Department)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department's Crime Suppression Unit on Thursday, Sept. 6, arrested Lee Zane McClellan, 27, of Cullman. He is charged with three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly selling heroin.
McClellan was transported to the Cullman County Detention Center where he was booked in and has since been released.
Copyright...
MONTGOMERY - ALABAMA 200 is pleased to announce fall 2018 Alabama Bicentennial Commission community grants for qualifying communities. These funding opportunities are available to support activities, events and projects commemorating the state’s 200th anniversary. Awards range between $2,500 and $5,000 directed to the community and county level. Fall 2018 deadlines are Friday, Sept. 28 and Friday, Oct. 26.
All bicentennial...
Karma in Cullman Founder Rachel Bryant, right, a suicide attempt survivor, embraces her daughter Jade as the DJ plays “Jesus, Take the Wheel” Saturday at Depot Park. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Saturday afternoon, despite stiff competition from college football and local events like Bernard Blues and BBQ, Karma in Cullman still drew a small crowd...
Props for the “The Haunt at Camp Liberty” haunted trail at Camp Liberty. (Hayden Hyatt for The Cullman Tribune)
BATTLEGROUND – Battleground’s Camp Liberty has something special planned for the Halloween season: "a full-immersion, military-themed haunted trail experience," running Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 21 through Oct. 27.
Helen Philips, organizer of “The Haunt at Camp Liberty,” said the haunt will...
BIRMINGHAM - Six people remain hospitalized at UAB Hospital following a bus crash in Winston County on Friday.
According to a statement from UAB on Saturday, "Twenty-six UAB employees and one First Transit employee were involved in a bus accident in Winston County Friday afternoon. UAB Hospital received 21 people from the accident scene. Cullman Regional Medical Center received six patients from the accident...
The Cullman County Detention Center (Wendy Sack for The Cullman Tribune)
BIRMINGHAM - On Tuesday, Sept. 4, U.S. Federal District Judge Madeline Hughes Haikala issued a memorandum opinion and order granting a preliminary injunction on behalf of indigent defendants incarcerated in the Cullman County Detention Center who cannot afford the bail amounts assigned to them by the Cullman County Sheriff’s...
At this weekend’s Bernard Blues and BBQ Festival, the Johnsonville Big Taste Grill (pictured is Johnsonville grillmaster Jay Wetzel) will be used to cook up brats in the parking lot of the Ave Maria Grotto, and proceeds from sales will go to fund programs at St. Bernard Prep School. (W.C. Mann)
At a glance
Bernard Blues and BBQ Arts, Crafts and Music...
Cook Ministries Director Karen Cook and suicide attempt survivor Korey Burris, the special guest speaker at Friday evening’s leadership prayer event at the Cullman County Courthouse (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Friday evening, Hanceville-based Cook Ministries and Preventive Action of Cullman (PAC) held a special event at the Cullman County Courthouse to pray for families who...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 6, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No report provided.
Cullman Police Department
Graves, Angela M., 45
unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
possession of drug paraphernalia
McClellan, Lee Z., 27
unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (3...
CULLMAN - The second annual Bernard Blues and BBQ Arts, Crafts and Music Festival is set for this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 8-9, on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey and Prep School. The event will feature some of the best artisans in the Southeast, with goods including pottery, wreaths, door hangers, flowers, wood turned bowls, clothing, birdhouses,...
The Pylant Family, Southern gospel music group, performs at Heritage Park Thursday. (Hayden Hyatt for The Cullman Tribune)
CULLMAN – Lots of folks came out to Heritage Park Thursday evening to hear The Pylant Family, a Southern gospel music group, perform as part of Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism’s annual September “Concerts in the Park” series.
The group performed Southern...
Connie Sandlin, the interior designer/gardener who owns Cullman’s popular, garden-oriented design shop, The Blue Eyed Rabbit, will speak to the Cullman Master Gardeners on Sept. 20 at 11 a.m. The talk, “Interior Design Inspirations from an Alabama Gardener,” is free and open to the public. (Courtesy of Ben Johnson South)
CULLMAN - “Nature is the best design teacher,” said Connie...
Charter Communications Director, Government Affairs, Taylor Vice (left), presents a check for $3,000 to the Cullman County Commission on Aging during the “A Healthy Life's a Beach” senior health fair at the Donald Green Senior Center Thursday. With Vice are, from left to right, Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Dusty Baker, Cullman City Councilman and Alabama Senator-Elect Garlan...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 4-5, 2018. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2018
Aaron, Benjamin Lee, 39
FTA- third-degree domestic violence- harassment
Adams, Michael John, 44
sexual offender failure to register termination SORNA
Baker, Caresha Ann, 28
possession of drug paraphernalia
illegal possession of prescription medicine
second-degree promoting...
Wallace State’s Jimmy Hodges (second row, left) and Austin Monk (second row, right) recently completed the ACWED program hosted by the Alabama Community College System.
HANCEVILLE – Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s dean of Applied Technologies, and Austin Monk, Wallace State’s director of workforce development, participated in the second meeting of the Alabama Certified Workforce and Economic Developer (ACWED) program last...
Participants in last year’s walk placed photos of lost loved ones on a memory board by the Depot Park fountain. The board will be back, and families and friends are encouraged to bring photos. (Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN - On Saturday afternoon, Karma in Cullman will mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Month with its second annual Walk of Hope at 3...
