Nick Brown greets a well-wisher at Tuesday’s VFW luncheon. Brown suffered a traumatic brain injury in 2015. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - An important guest was on-hand at the Cullman VFW Post 2214 Tuesday luncheon this week, and his presence saw healthy crowds come and go to eat, relax and fellowship with one another. Nick Brown, grandson of...
8 a.m. Smith Lake Park Fireworks and Music Festival ($5 per person for park admission)
This day-long celebration kicks off bright and early at 8 a.m. and will include arts and crafts, food, contests and live music. The park’s annual fireworks show will cap off the evening at 9 p.m.
According to Cullman County Parks and Recreation: “We'll also have our...
At McAfee Knob, just beyond the 700-mile point in Virginia
FAIRVIEW - The Tribune has been following the journey of retired U.S. Army Col. Donald Fallin as he hikes the Appalachian Trail from its southern starting point in Georgia to its northern terminus in Maine, raising awareness and funds for the Johnny Mac Soldiers’ Fund that supports the education of...
The Baileyton Town Council (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
BAILEYTON - On Monday evening, the Baileyton Town Council held its regular meeting, dealing with a question over use of a bus acquired for use by the senior center.
According to the terms of the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) grant that allowed Baileyton to get the bus, as reported to town...
Tyler Hudson, left, and Andrew Maresh, right, were arrested and charged with the murder of Daniel Ray Osborn II, center, after Osborn’s body was found buried behind the Fairview home of Maresh’s grandmother. / Osborn’s photo courtesy of Facebook; Mugshots courtesy of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
CULLMAN - Last week, Andrew Jacob Maresh and Tyler Stephen Hudson, who have...
Left to right: Chasidy Kirkland, Daniel Peek and Kristy Self (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) last Thursday through Saturday arrested three suspects, netting almost 127 grams of methamphetamine, 124 hydrocodone pills and $5,000.
According to a media release from the CCSO, deputies on patrol in New Canaan on Saturday, June 30 noticed a suspicious...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for July 2. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Reports from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office will now only be provided on Mondays and Thursdays.
Cullman Police Department
Elliot, Robin S., 35
FTA- no seatbelt
FTA- driving while revoked
Shearin, Amanda N., 27
FTA- third-degree theft of...
Milo's opened in its current location in Cullman on July 6, 2017. (Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN - Milo’s Hamburgers is celebrating the first anniversary of its Cullman location.
“We will be having giveaways (free food!!) going on Thursday- Saturday,” said Julianna Hallman, manager of local store marketing for Milo’s.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Cullman through putting...
Cullman Police Officer Terry Heaton poses for a photo at the department last week. Heaton is the CPD’s only remaining Vietnam veteran. He also celebrated his 40th anniversary with the CPD earlier this year. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Cullman reserve police officer Terry Heaton recently received his 40-year service pin, having served the department and city since...
Military veterans from the Cullman Police Department get their picture taken with the truck and Garrison executives. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Monday afternoon, R.E. Garrison Trucking introduced a new truck dedicated to military veterans. The 2019 Freightliner Cascadia, which will feature all the current generation bells and whistles including two bunks and a television in the...
CULLMAN – This year’s Smith Lake Park Fireworks & Music Festival kicks off at 8 a.m. this Wednesday, July 4. There will be arts and crafts, food, live music, and of course, fireworks.
The Tribune spoke with Brittney Heron, manager at Smith Lake Park, about the event and she said there's already many campers there in preparation for it.
“We have...
LATEST UPDATE: (Update) Elderly couple dies following Vinemont wreck
http://www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2018/07/02/update-elderly-couple-dies-following-vinemont-wreck
VINEMONT - Two people have died following a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 31 North in Vinemont Monday afternoon.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick confirmed the fatalities. One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The other died while being transported to Huntsville Hospital.
The two-vehicle wreck happened in the 19000 block...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 29-July 1. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Barnett, Richard Shane, 18
third-degree burglary
Black, Ashley Lynn, 22
FTA- permitting dogs to run at large
Boatright, Corey Jason, 41
violation of a domestic violence protection order
Bradley, Don Ray, 71
third-degree domestic violence
Chambers, Jason Wayne, 35
FTA-...
CULLMAN - All City of Cullman and Cullman County offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.
Sanitation routes
City residential sanitation routes normally scheduled for Wednesday (July 4) will run the following day on Thursday (July 5). Thursday’s residential sanitation routes will run Friday (July 6). There will be no change to commercial sanitation routes.
County...
The Garden City Freedom Celebration was back Sunday night after not being held last year. (Andrew Cryer for The Tribune)
GARDEN CITY - After taking a year off in 2017 due to financial reasons, the Garden City faith community’s Freedom Celebration was back stronger than ever Sunday evening.
The seventh annual event, held at Garden Trail, was organized by Garden City...
Karen Cook, founder of Cook Ministries, records a video of Justin Lynch, co-founder of Preventive Action of Cullman, during an Igniting Hope event at Heritage Park. (Hayden Hyatt for The Tribune)
CULLMAN – Saturday Karen Cook, founder of Cook Ministries, and Justin Lynch, co-founder of Preventive Action of Cullman (POC), spoke about suicide at an Igniting Hope event at Heritage...
CULLMAN - A Bremen man has died as a result of a Saturday motorcycle crash.
Joseph Andrew Hopkins, 46, was injured when the 1994 Honda motorcycle he was operating left County Road 109 in Cullman County and struck a culvert, according to Alabama State Troopers. Hopkins was transported to UAB Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Troopers said...
Guests enjoyed bingo games before the fireworks. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
GOOD HOPE - To kick off this year’s Fourth of July celebrations, Cullman’s American Legion Post 4 held its second annual community cookout, complete with bingo games and fireworks. Organizers were Post Commander Harold Barnard and his wife Becky, Becky's brother Donald Reid and his wife Diane, and...
This year's Cullman Fireworks Festival will take place on Wednesday, July 4 at Heritage Park. (Photo courtesy of Desperation Church)
CULLMAN – The seventh annual Cullman Fireworks Festival, organized by Desperation Church, will take place on July 4 at 4 p.m. at Heritage Park. The free family-friendly event will feature a large fireworks show, inflatables for children, games hosted by...
Most of the show’s entries were restored tractors. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - History was on display on the campus of Wallace State Community College Saturday. The 20th annual Hanceville Antique Tractor & Engine Show drew collectors, farmers and enthusiasts from miles around to enjoy the showpieces, most restored tractors, but some straight out of the fields.
The tractor...
Alabama State Troopers report that two serious motorcycle crashes happened today, one in Limestone County and one in Cullman County.
The three-vehicle crash in Limestone County, which occurred on U.S. Highway 71 at approximately 12:28 p.m., resulted in the death of the motorcycle operator. Troopers said no other injuries were reported in the other vehicles.
At 1 p.m., a single-vehicle crash...
Sharon Drake reads “The Reluctant Topiary” while author Ben Johnson South displays illustrations and artist Jack Tupper looks on. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Thursday, the Cullman County Library concluded its summer reading program on a high note with a live reading of Ben Johnson South’s “The Reluctant Topiary.” A logistical mix-up moved the presentation, originally planned...
There are multiple Fourth of July events happening around the Cullman area this year. (Tribune file photo)
CULLMAN - Independence Day is Wednesday, but celebrations begin Saturday in Cullman County. From big and bold countywide fireworks displays, to smaller communitywide affairs, there are several events from which to choose.
Below is a list of some celebrations.
Saturday, June 30 at 3 p.m.
2nd...
Children play at the new Connected Playground at Ingle Park, while adults tour the new facility. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Years of planning, fundraising and hard work were celebrated Friday evening with the official opening of the Connected Playground at Ingle Park. Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CP&R) kicked off the weekend by introducing the public...
Hanceville City Council members discuss council business during Thursday’s meeting at Hanceville City Hall. (Hayden Hyatt for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE – The Hanceville City Council will soon be looking to fill an empty seat.
During Thursday night’s regular meeting, Councilwoman Sharon Porter announced her resignation. Porter will be relocating to Athens due to her husband’s job.
“It's been more than a pleasure,”...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 28. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Burkhalter, Debbie Sue, 51
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Cox, Joseph Lee, 42
second-degree domestic violence
Floyd, Keith Talmadge, 54
third-degree domestic violence- harassment
Franks, Jessica Leshay, 32
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
unlawful...
L-R: Alabama Funeral Directors Association President Heath Bowen, 50-year pin recipient Keith Patillo, 25-year pin recipient Gary Murphree, Martha Mosteller (who received a 25-year pin in memory of her late husband Darrell Mosteller, 25-year pin recipient Randy Speakman, and Moss Service Funeral Home Manager Mike Pepple (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Thursday evening, the staff of Cullman’s...
TUSCALOOSA - A total of 11,347 students enrolled during the 2018 spring semester 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...
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to The Cullman Tribune’s (bonus) Pet of the Week:
Blueberry is a German Shepherd/Husky mix who’s around a year and a half old. She’s a laid-back, low energy dog who could make a great comfort companion, or therapy dog. She’s alert and a quick learner. She likes to go...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 27. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Cason, Donnie James, 60
harassment
Hopper, Christina Marie, 29
harassment
Lee, Johnny Dale, 48
FTA- first-degree robbery
FTA- third-degree robbery
Mann, Daniel Reece, 28
public intoxication
McClendon, Temple Tim, 53
menacing
Mickle, Joseph Lee, 26
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle (6 counts)
Ramirez,...
Nurse practitioner P. Diana Wilhite speaks to guests who came out for Thursday morning’s ribbon cutting at the new West Point Family Medical Practice. West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo looks on. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
WEST POINT - West Point Family Medical Practice and nurse practitioner P. Diana Wilhite were officially welcomed into the community Thursday morning. The Cullman...
Image credit: Pixabay
MONTGOMERY - Alabama State Troopers are encouraging motorists to buckle up this 4th of July.
According to Lt. J.R. Ward II, “In 2017 there were eight traffic deaths in the state of Alabama during the 4th of July holiday period. In seven of those crashes seat belts were not used. As of Monday, June 25, 2018, Troopers have...
L-R: Met-South owners Cathy and Don Jesse, Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail and Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer pose for a photo on Wednesday morning, when Met-South celebrated its official opening in Hanceville. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - On Wednesday morning, Met-South celebrated its official grand opening at its new location in Hanceville. The company has been...
Jason Herron (Cullman Police Department)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department's Crime Suppression Unit on Tuesday arrested a Cullman man for allegedly selling methamphetamine.
Jason Edward Herron, 42, was charged with three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance. He was also charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
Herron remains incarcerated in the Cullman County Detention Center.
The CPD asks citizens...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 26. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Brown, Alexandria Rae, 27
possession of drug paraphernalia
FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Bullard, Edward Anthony, 43
FTA- driving while revoked
FTA- failure to signal/improper lane change
FTA- liability insurance required
Burt, John Harold, 61
harassment
Burt, Lynette White, 65
harassment
Chumley,...
Officer Jack Springer shakes hands with Councilman Andy Page after being recognized for 50 years of service with the Cullman Police Department at this week’s Cullman City Council meeting at Cullman City Hall. Chief Kenny Culpepper is shown, left.
CULLMAN – This week, the Cullman City Council, in addition to handling regular meeting business, took time out to recognize two...
Local
Wallace State’s Kaitlin Richards, Ryan Ratliff selected as NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars
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Wallace State students Kaitlyn Richards, left, and Ryan Ratliff have both been selected to travel to NASA’s Stennis Space Center this summer to participate in NASA Community College Aerospace Scholars onsite experience.
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State students Kaitlin Richards and Ryan Ratliff have been selected to travel to NASA’s Stennis Space Center this summer to participate in the NASA Community...
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week:
Thumbnail is a mixed breed dog whose build says he may have a streak of Corgi in him. He’s around 4-and-a-half years old, a medium-energy pet with a lot of personality. He likes people and has taken to his leash and...
The Cullman County Commission met Tuesday morning. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Commission Tuesday morning settled with transportation and logistics company Werner Enterprises over the damages caused by one of the company’s drivers to a bridge on County Road 821.
At the commission’s last meeting, on June 12, Cullman County Attorney Chad Floyd was authorized to...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 25. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bartlett, Rhett Stewart, 30
public intoxication
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Blomquist, Chari Susan, 57
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)
Bridges, James Elbert, 51
FTA- third-degree burglary
Farley, Joshua Jacob, 27
second-degree assault
menacing
second-degree unlawful imprisonment
Floyd, Dakoda Scott,...
April Bowen German and sister Heather Hankey with their mother Victoria Hammond Hankey last Christmas. (Photo courtesy April German)
CULLMAN - After Victoria Hammond Hankey passed away from pancreatic cancer this past May, her daughter, Good Hope Primary School first-grade teacher April Bowen German, wanted to do something that would honor her memory and also make a positive difference in...
Berlin’s first government: (L-R) Councilmen Don Bates, Matthew Blair, Jimmy Quick and Donald Gunter with Mayor Patrick Bates (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
BERLIN - On Monday evening, the recently incorporated town of Berlin held its very first council meeting at the Berlin Community Center. District Judge Rusty Turner administered the oaths of office to Mayor Patrick Bates and Councilmen...
The Good Hope City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
GOOD HOPE - A brief public hearing for Ordinance #013-2018 kicked off Monday night’s meeting of the Good Hope City Council.
The ordinance will rezone the AGCOR Steel property from an Ag-1 Agricultural District to an M-1 Manufacturing District. The ordinance...
Nathan Powell (Cullman Police Department)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit last week arrested a Joppa man for allegedly selling methamphetamine.
Nathan Alan Powell, 27, was charged with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.
According to the CPD, Powell was incarcerated in the Cullman County Detention Center at the time of his arrest on an unrelated charge.
Powell has since...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 22-24. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Armour, Timothy J., 54
illegal possession of alcohol in a dry county
public intoxication
Burdette, Troy Alan, 49
DUI- .08 BAC or greater
Carnes, Maury Bill, 52
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
FTA- unlawful...
Matthew Burns, an archer, releases an arrow toward a 3D bear target during the 11th annual Shoot for a Cure 3D Archery Tournament at Camp David in Cullman on Sunday. (Hayden Hyatt for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Saturday and Sunday more than 120 archers gathered to participate in the 11th annual Shoot for a Cure 3D Archery Tournament at Camp...
Cullman Sheriff's deputies can be seen on the scene of a standoff in the northeast part of the city of Cullman early Sunday evening. The event ended peacefully. (Photo contributed by Tribune reader)
CULLMAN - A man who barricaded himself in a building and threatened to harm himself early Sunday evening surrendered peacefully, according to Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper.
The...
Wallace State Singers prepare for their upcoming show, “Sing America Sing!” which will be held July 5-7, at 7 p.m. nightly, at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre. Admission is a $10 donation, supporting the group’s 2019 European tour for “Stars Fell on Alabama: Music from the Heart of the South.”
HANCEVILLE - Current, former and future members of the Wallace...
The Hughes 369A/OH-6A Cayuse, known to Vietnam veterans as the “Loach,” was designed to be a highly maneuverable light observation helicopter. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department (CPD) has a resource that is rare among law enforcement agencies in cities its size: an aviation division. From hangers adjacent to the city water plant and at...
The Connected Playground at Ingle Park features equipment for children of all ability levels. The playground’s grand opening is Friday, June 29, 2018. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Cullman Parks, Recreation, & Sports Tourism (CPRST) will officially open the long-awaited Connected Playground at Ingle Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, June 29 from 4-6 p.m. According to...
From Brian Bradberry, Cullman Rotary Club:
We were so proud to award Leah Smith from West Point High School and Hayden Hovater from Cullman High School Cullman Rotary Club scholarships.
Leah, pictured with her mother Lucretia, plans to attend Samford University, and Hayden, pictured with his mother Mary, plans to attend Savannah School of Arts.
Such a great representation of the top...
Kids in Colony’s summer enrichment program met Smokey Bear on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy Patricia Ponder/Colony Town Hall)
COLONY - On Wednesday, kids enrolled in Colony’s summer enrichment program got a visit from Smokey Bear, Colony Volunteer Fire Department Fireman Doug Farley, Forest Ranger Jason Downs and Cullman City Arborist Darrell Johns as they learned about fire safety and preventing forest...
This mobile home near Jones Chapel was destroyed by a tornado Friday evening. (Courtesy of Phyllis Little)
JONES CHAPEL - The tornado that struck a mobile home between Jones Chapel and West Point left three people injured, leveling the residence. Hurt were one adult, a teenage girl and an infant, according to Cullman County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) Director Phyllis...
Cindy Hawkins, CRNP
CULLMAN - Cindy Hawkins, CRNP, has joined Cullman Regional Urgent Care staff. Hawkins is a certified family nurse practitioner as well as a certified clinical nurse specialist, board-certified in critical care. She is a graduate of Jacksonville State University and completed nurse practitioner school at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Hawkins is passionate about providing high...
Owner Ann Still with daughter Emily Almonte and grandson Shepard Almonte (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Since Christmas, Ann Still and her daughter Emily Almonte have been working to bring a specialty store for infant and toddler needs to Cullman. Now, their store Rattles & Rhymes is open at 107 Fifth St. SE.
Still said she started running with...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 21. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bagwell, Brooke Renea, 31
FTA- driving while suspended
Bowman, Rebecca Sue, 56
possession of drug paraphernalia
first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana personal use
Collins, Justin Blake, 25
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Cox, Calvin James, 28
FTA- public...
Winners in the WaLLi Ice Cream contest are, from left, Linda Pearson, 3rd place, Chocolate Chip with Almond; Wanda Creel, 2nd place, Vanilla; and Linda Cornelius, 1st place, Tutti Fruitti Ice Cream with Pecans.
HANCEVILLE - Linda Cornelius took a chance that paid off with a first-place finish in the second Ice Cream Making contest hosted by the Wallace State...
Brian Poole, Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce director of business development, third from left, speaks with Holly Pond business and organizational leaders during a business roundtable meeting Thursday evening. (Hayden Hyatt for The Tribune)
HOLLY POND – Thursday evening, eight Holly Pond business and organizational leaders met with Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Business Development Brian Poole at...
Senator-Elect Garlan Gudger, left, with The Busy Bee Café’s Kitty Spears at the restaurant on Thursday. Gudger bought lunch for the community. (Andrew Cryer for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Busy Bee Café may have never seen a lunch rush as packed as Thursday’s, thanks to Senator-Elect Garlan Gudger, who paid for everyone’s meals. During peak service, patrons were lined...
Local
U.S. Supreme Court says states can require online-only retailers to collect sales and use tax
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MONTGOMERY - In a landmark ruling in the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday reversed a 26-year-old decision and ruled that states can require internet retailers to collect sales and use tax in states where they lack a physical presence. (Read the opinion)
“The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that online-only sellers should have to play by...
Local
City school board approves early adoption of 2.5% pay raise for teachers; open house schedules
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East Elementary Principal David Wiggins addresses the Cullman City School Board Thursday morning (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Cullman City School Board early Thursday morning approved the early adoption of the state’s 2.5 percent pay raise for teachers. The increase will go into effect in July, ahead of the beginning of the new school year.
Cullman City Schools...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 20. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Lynn, Dalton Leonnard, 27
third-degree burglary (3 counts)
Pate, Carrie Bridget Pelman, 33
nonsupport
Shipp, Dennis Earl, 57
third-degree domestic violence- harassment
Cullman Police Department
Powell, Nathan A., 27
unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
Rauch, Eric J., 49
disorderly conduct
Patterson, Timmy...
Stephanie Barnett is the new certified registered nurse practitioner at the Good Samaritan Health Clinic in Cullman. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Good Samaritan Health Clinic (GSC), the Cullman area’s medical service for county residents without insurance, welcomed Stephanie Barnett in April as its new Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP).
A Montgomery native, Barnett completed her RN studies at...
Scott Spitzer, Brenda Allison and Laurie Legg (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Pentastar South Car Club partnered with Cullman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram to host the club’s annual Mopars at the Depot car show recently. The show brings Mopar vehicles from all over the Southeast to support Alabama Credit Union’s Secret Meals for Hungry Children program. On Wednesday,...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 19. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bearden, Kristie Meshal, 47
judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Blankenship, Ashlyn Leigh, 22
judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Domino, Donald Kenyatta, 23
judge’s order- possession of drug paraphernalia
Dozier, Kellie Lynn, 27
judge’s...
Donald Holder (Cullman Police Department)
BREMEN - A Bremen man was arrested recently after officers with the Cullman Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force executed a search warrant on County Road 62, according to the CPD.
The arrest happened on June 15, 2018. The CPD said that Donald Holder, 50, was charged with unlawful...
Local
WSCC student Brye Forbes 1st Academy of Culinary Arts SkillsUSA gold medal winner, preparing for national event
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Brye Forbes is the first Wallace State student from the Academy of Culinary Arts program to win a gold medal at the state SkillsUSA competition. She’s now preparing for the national SkillsUSA event, which begins June 25.
Check out video of Brye Forbes preparing for the national SkillsUSA competition at www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P5D8R3R7K8
HANCEVILLE – Brye Forbes feels at home inside the kitchen.
Forbes,...
“The Reluctant Topiary” was written by Cullman’s hometown author and playwright, Ben Johnson South.
CULLMAN - If you’re looking for something fun and original (and did we mention FREE?) for kids to enjoy this summer, the Cullman County Public Library will host the premiere of an original children's story, “The Reluctant Topiary,” with original illustrations and video, gardening crafts and...
A selection of stickers was available for attendees. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The June meeting for the Cullman County Democrats saw heavy discussion on the group's participation in county-wide events such as the Sweet Tater Festival, the Cullman County Fair (and fair parade) and even next year's Strawberry Festival. Chairwoman Karen Johnson opened the meeting by announcing...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 18. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Blake, Barbara Marie, 35
probation violation- second-degree theft of property
Dollar, William Cody, 25
fourth-degree theft of property (2 counts)
Edwards, Brittany Lee, 29
illegal possession of prescription medicine
unlawful possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)
second-degree promoting...
WEST POINT - Mayor Kenneth Kilgo and the West Point Town Council met with T&K Construction at West Point Town Hall on Tuesday to hash out more details regarding the long-awaited Alabama Highway 157 turn lane project. Tuesday, June 19 is the official starting date of the project, and construction work is set to begin by Monday, June 25.
The...
Dr. William E. Smith, Jr.
CULLMAN - William E. Smith, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.S. has been named Cullman Regional’s first chief medical officer (CMO) by Cullman Regional CEO James Clements. Smith has served as CMO in a limited capacity for the past two years.
“As healthcare evolves and changes, it becomes more critical to have dedicated physician leadership to help drive clinical...
Brian Smith (Cullman Police Department)
CULLMAN - A Baileyton man was arrested last week and charged with selling methamphetamine, according to the Cullman Police Department.
Brian Neal Smith, 44, was arrested by the CPD’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) and charged with three counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance.
Smith was booked in to the Cullman County Detention Center. He...
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week.
MacGyver is a hound/Anatolian Shepherd mix who’s around 1-year-old. He’s a laid-back, low-energy pet who could make a great therapy, service or comfort dog. He likes playing in the yard and is as industrious as his namesake, burying toys and treats...
The Garden City Town Council meets on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
GARDEN CITY - Keeping its June meeting short, the Garden City Town Council was excited to announce the town’s annual Freedom Celebration as well as upcoming paving projects.
Mayor Pro Tem Scott Arnold said the Freedom Celebration will take place...
The West Point Town Council on Monday night discussed the Town’s upcoming food pantry. (Hayden Hyatt for The Tribune)
WEST POINT - The West Point Town Council held further discussions on a handful of issues at its monthly meeting Monday night, starting with the food pantry project.
Mayor Kenneth Kilgo said the planned location for the food pantry is in front...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 15-17. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Armstrong, Jason Eric, 43
FTA- third-degree domestic violence- menacing
Boone, Timothy Aaron, 23
FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)
Clarke, Marshall Steele, 58
menacing
reckless endangerment
Davis, Katherine Dawn, 36
FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Dean, Kimberly Diane,...
Event coordinators Brandy Thomas, Stephanie Pragel and Alanna Johnson (Not pictured: Elizabeth McDowell) (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Saturday marked the second annual North Alabama Homeschool Expo (NAHE), bringing students, parents and outside educators together at the Cullman Civic Center. The expo featured vendors specializing in educational items and homeschooling help, workshops and lectures for attendees to visit...
JONES CHAPEL - An Addison woman was pronounced dead at the scene of a single-vehicle wreck shortly before 1 p.m. Sunday, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
Dorthy J. Williams, 67, was the lone occupant of the vehicle, which ran off the roadway and eventually struck a tree.
Kilpatrick said, "She suffered a medical emergency prior to the accident."
No...
On Friday, workers were making finishing touches like placing the new logo on the front door of Bulldogs Country Cook’n. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - On June 19, Hanceville’s former downtown eatery C-Street Cafe will re-open its doors as Bulldogs Country Cook’n. Welcome Back Hanceville co-owner Nolan Bradford, who is helping lead the city’s downtown revitalization effort, has...
WSCC students and community residents will tend gardens in raised beds like these located at Welti School. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - At the Hanceville City Council meeting Thursday evening, Wallace State Community College (WSCC) Grant Specialist Kristi Barnett announced that the college’s awaited community garden, introduced to the council last December, is finally set to open next...
BIRMINGHAM - A record 1,240 degrees were awarded recently at Samford University. That tops the 2017 record of 1,165. An estimated 250 students graduated with honors.
In the seven commencement ceremonies, 33 different degree programs were recognized, including the first graduates in the Doctor of Physical Therapy, Master of Athletic Training, Master of Science in Respiratory Care, Master of Science...
Co-owner Nikolaos McCormick welcomes visitors on OG’s opening day Thursday. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - On Thursday, Hanceville’s downtown revitalization efforts took another step forward as the city welcomed Outbreak Games (OG) to the old Hanceville Herald building at 111 Commercial St. NE. Brothers Clint and Nikolaos McCormick opened the business as a retail outlet for card, board...
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Labor on Friday released May’s unemployment numbers. According to ADOL, Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate is 3.9 percent, an increase from April’s rate of 3.8 percent, and well below May 2017’s rate of 4.6 percent. Cullman County’s rate for May is 3.1 percent, up from April’s rate of 2.8 percent, and...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 14. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Burgett, Christopher Allen, 35
probation violation- second-degree assault
Childers, Joseph Matthew, 34
probation violation- obstruction- using a false ID
Davenport, Luther Lee, 31
judge’s order- writ of arrest- child support
George, William Brian, 36
FTA- first-degree theft of property
Gilland,...
A Cullman County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducts a traffic stop. (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)
CULLMAN - Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry has a message for local drivers: don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive, slow down.
According to a press release issued by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, deputies will be out in force from now through August...
Stone Bridge Farms’ Ron Foust received the Tourism Professional of the Year Award at Thursday’s Cullman Area Tourism Awards. Foust is pictured with Tourism Executive Committee Vice-Chair Katie Fine, left, and Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leah Bolin, right. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce handed out its 2018 Cullman Area...
Kids tend a raised garden bed at Colony’s Educational Complex. (Photo courtesy Town of Colony)
COLONY - After success in 2017, the Town of Colony cranked its summer enrichment program back up this year. The program is based at the Educational Complex and includes educational components and children’s activities, in conjunction with a federally-funded summer feeding program that provides free...
Local
CCBOE awards contract for Good Hope upgrades, announces personnel changes; lunch prices going up
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CULLMAN - On Tuesday evening, the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) voted to approve a maintenance department bid from P.G. Wells Enterprises, Inc. for electrical upgrades and renovations at Good Hope High School in the amount of $324,777. This project will be paid for with QZAB funds, which are available to schools with at least 35 percent of...
Local
Not his first rodeo: Former Alabama AG and current AG candidate Troy King visits with supporters in West Point
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Troy King, third from left, is flanked by Bradley Williams, far left, and Josh Speakman, far right, along with Brandin’ Iron employees at the restaurant Thursday evening. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
WEST POINT - West Point’s Brandin’ Iron Steakhouse welcomed a special guest Thursday night, when Republican candidate for Alabama attorney general, Troy King, had dinner and visited with...
Wallace State’s Kristi Barnett addressed the Hanceville City Council about the school’s community garden project. (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
HANCEVILLE - At its regular meeting Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council heard about current and upcoming projects to improve the community and grow the city’s business/industrial sector.
Councilman Charles Wilson informed the council that the water department has half of...
Round 2's Greg Burks performs "God Bless America" as Col. Ken Brown looks on at the Cullman Elks Lodge during Wednesday night's Flag Day celebration. (Nick Griffin for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Dozens made their way to the Elks Lodge Wednesday night for Cullman’s annual Flag Day celebration, which featured live music, refreshments and a colorful history of the U.S...
The Vinemont Town Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. (Andrew Cryer for The Tribune)
VINEMONT - The Vinemont Town Council welcomed Todd Johnson and others from The Church at the Atrium to its meeting Tuesday night. The church group requested to use the town’s community center for Sunday service until the construction of its...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for June 13. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Allred, Dustyn Herndon, 23
writ of arrest- child support
Carter, Kenneth Shane, 36
third-degree domestic violence- third-degree criminal mischief
Ellis Daniel Alexander, 38
third-degree domestic violence- harassment
resisting arrest
Guillot, Norris Joseph III, 43
third-degree assault
James, Keleil Nattwand, 22
FTA- possession...
Director John Wessel in the Technology Village Cullman office (W.C. Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, the Cullman City Council took a major step toward the full operation of Technology Village Cullman (TVC), approving the hiring of John Wessel as director. On Tuesday, The Tribune sat down with Wessel to talk about his new job.
But first: What...
Dr. Ryan Smith
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College has announced the appointment of Dr. Ryan Smith as dean of students. He will assume the new role on July 2.
“Wallace State looks forward to continuing to strengthen access, opportunity and success for all students under Dr. Smith’s leadership,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
Smith brings extensive and wide-ranging leadership...
HARTSELLE - A Falkville man was killed in a single-vehicle crash at 2 a.m. Thursday morning, June 14, according to Alabama State Troopers.
Troopers said Phillip Wayne Penn, 60, was killed when the 2000 Jeep Wrangler he was driving left Alabama Highway 36 and struck a tree. The wreck happened at the 29 mile marker 6 miles east of Hartselle.
Penn,...
Sen. Gerald Dial speaks at the Cullman County Republican Women meeting this week. Dial is facing Rick Pate in the July 17 runoff for Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. (Heather Mann for The Tribune)
CULLMAN - Attendees of this month’s meeting of the Cullman County Republican Women (CCRW) heard campaign speeches from three candidates who will be on the...
Col. Donald Fallin is keeping The Tribune apprised of his progress as he hikes the Appalachian Trail to raise funds for children of fallen warriors. (contributed)
VIRGINIA - On Monday afternoon, Fairview veteran, Col. Donald Fallin (U.S. Army, retired) passed the 700-mile mark on the Appalachian Trail west of Roanoke, Virginia. Fallin is hiking the trail to raise awareness and...
CULLMAN - As summer progresses and heat indexes rise, pools, lakes and beaches will see more and more usage each day. While fun, dangers exist for swimmers, especially younger children. Drowning can happen to anybody under the wrong circumstances; swimmers should be aware of the signs and risks.
One of the best ways to prevent drowning is for a swimmer...

























































































































