Whooping crane / Photo courtesy U.S. Department of Agriculture
DECATUR - If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary that doesn’t involve lots of mileage or money, consider a short trek up the road to Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Decatur for the Festival of the Cranes this weekend. It’s different, it’s close, it’s family-friendly and it’s free!
Since a...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 8. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Freeman, Breanna Reigh, 27
failure to appear- third-degree domestic violence harassing communication (2 counts)
harassing communications
Goodwin, April Maxine, 39
probation violation- second-degree forgery
Grey, Jeremy Brian, 47
possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
unlawful possession of a controlled substance (4 counts)
Kincade, James...
TROY - Troy University is pleased to recognize students who completed the requirements for graduation during the Fall Semester and Term 2 of the 2017/2018 academic year.
Local-area residents who graduated include:
Christina Donnell, of Blountsville, graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree
Madeline Puckett, of Cleveland, graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree
Jacob Spiker, of Altoona, graduated with the Master of...
Hanceville’s Creative Design worked into the wee hours after Monday night’s College Football National Championship game, printing 15,000 Alabama T-shirts. / Nick Griffin
HANCEVILLE - National championship games almost always mean busy nights for the crew of about 30 at Creative Design, and 2018 started off no differently for the Hanceville print shop. Whenever the Alabama Crimson Tide or the...
HUNTSVILLE - Hey, teachers! Want a chance to get away for a day, brush up on a little science and a little history, and not spend a bunch to do it? This coming Friday through Monday, Jan. 13-15, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville is offering free admission for all educators who present a current school ID...
Christopher Allen Michael Burgess / Cullman Police Department
CULLMAN - Officers with the Cullman Police Department on Saturday arrested a Cullman man for trafficking in illegal drugs. The arrest came after Christopher Allen Michael Burgess, 28, was pulled over for reckless driving.
According to a media release issued by the CPD, officers received call of a reckless driver on Alabama Highway...
GREENSBORO - On Friday, the Southern Center for Human Rights and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice filed Southern Center for Human Rights and Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice v. Kenneth Ellis, et al., a lawsuit in Hale County Circuit Court challenging the refusal of 49 Alabama sheriffs to produce public records showing whether, and if...
Tyler Michael Abbott / Etowah County Detention Center
GADSDEN - A 17-year-old from Hanceville is behind bars in Etowah County, charged as an adult with capital murder, according to a report from The Gadsden Times.
The newspaper reported that Tyler Michael Abbott, has been charged in the shooting death of Aaron “A.J.” Huff, 18, of Gadsden. The incident happened on Thursday...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 5-7. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Brooks, Anthony De Jon, 19
second-degree promoting prison contraband
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Clemmenson, Matthew Frederick, 44
failure to appear- first-degree theft of property
Cobb, William Grant, 41
possession of drug paraphernalia
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Franklin, Ginger Lovell, 44
third-degree domestic violence harassment
Freeman, Joshua Aaron,...
Manager Chris Terry gave out souvenir hats to visitors at Saturday's grand opening celebration. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - After months of redesign and reconstruction, the old K-Mart building is back in business. On Saturday, Tractor Supply Company held its grand opening in its new facility. It wasn’t a big move--just next door, but according to Manager Chris Terry, even...
Mayor Kenneth Nail, along with members of Hanceville’s City Council and other officials, met with ALDOT’s John Cooper at the intersection of Alabama Highway 91 and Edmondson Road by Dale’s Saturday morning. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - After the death of a Crane Hill man due to a crash at the intersection of Alabama Highway 91 and Edmondson Road in...
Cullman County has 2,393 miles of roads, more than 1,500 of which are maintained by the Cullman County Road Department.
CULLMAN - A while back, The Tribune invited its readers to sound off about county roads in need of repair or repaving. The roads reported included County Roads 4, 6, 15, 18, 19, 54, 59, 68, 71, 109, 134,...
The crowd at this year's Polar Bear Plunge may have been smaller, but it was no less enthusiastic. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - This year's Polar Bear Plunge is in the books and according to CP&R's Director of Marketing Waid Harbison, it was the coldest one on record. Harbison let all the participants know just before the countdown that the...
Area students participating in the SingKids! session of ArtsKids! at Wallace State perform during the Christmas Spectacular in December, with Wallace State students.
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College’s Fine and Performing Arts program will continue its new ArtsKids! program this spring with two sessions: BroadwayKids! and StudioKids! This follows the successful launch of the program with SingKids! held in the...
Black bears in Alabama are being studied by using DNA collection devices, like barbed wire around a bait, as well as collaring adult bears. One question researchers hope to answer is whether bear nests in southwest Alabama provide enough protection for cubs. (Courtesy of Auburn University)
Interaction between humans and black bears saw an uptick last year, and that...
Cullman VFW Post 2214 Post Commander Jerry Willibey, right, and Ladies’ Auxiliary President Dee Harris. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - Veterans of Foreign Wars is an organization that has been serving veterans and their communities since 1899 after the Spanish-American War. It was founded to secure benefits and rights for soldiers returning home from war and Cullman’s VFW Post 2214...
CULLMAN - Tomorrow's the day. Brave souls will jump into the outdoor pool at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center (CWAC) for a chance to win a year-long family membership to the center. Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) Director of Marketing, Programs and Events, Waid Harbison, said late today that the water temp is (gulp) 35 degrees. Saturday's forecast,...
HANCEVILLE - A Crane Hill man was killed, and another person injured, Thursday night when a pick-up truck and 18-wheeler collided at what Hanceville residents say is a notoriously dangerous intersection. Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick identified the victim as Burshel Eugene Boatrite, 74.
The incident occurred around 5:05 p.m. at Alabama Highway 91 and Edmondson Road, according to...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 4. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Beasinger, Tonya Monk, 43
failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
Brown, David Olvin, 31
failure to appear- driving while revoked
Edwards, Cheryl, 51
DUI- .08 BAC or greater
Haynes, Dennis Warron, 59
nonsupport
Littrell, Logan Mundy, 34
failure to appear- third-degree burglary
failure to appear- first-degree theft of...
CULLMAN - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) last week issued an alert of increased influenza (flu) activity across the state, and Cullman Regional continues to see a higher than normal number of patients testing positive for the virus.
Cullman Regional’s Executive Director, Marketing and Public Relations Lindsey Dossey said late Thursday, “The flu is certainly in our community....
William Thomas Maddux / Cullman Police Department
CULLMAN - A Cullman man who allegedly shot and killed his stepfather before turning the gun on himself has been charged with murder, according to Cullman Police Department Sgt. David Nassetta, the lead investigator on the case. William Thomas Maddux, 27, turned himself at the Cullman County Detention Center Friday morning.
"We talked with...
The Tribune got an exclusive meet-and-greet with new Cullman High School head football coach Matt Plunkett on Thursday, when he and his family took a tour of the campus with CHS Principal Kim Hall and Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson. Pictured, from left to right, are Patterson, Allison Plunkett (holding 1-year-old Makenzie Plunkett), 3-year-old Maddison Plunkett, Coach...
Altec representatives Kelly Westin, left, and Chris Harned, present a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Altec to Wallace State Future Foundation’s Suzanne Harbin and Welding Program Director Jim Thompson.
HANCEVILLE - The Wallace State Future Foundation recently received a donation of $5,000 from Altec to assist female welding students in completing their educations at Wallace State Community College.
Altec is...
Pictured, left to right: Perry Shields, Maria Stanford, Stephanie Jowers and Jeb Williamson / Cullman Rotary Club
CULLMAN - The Cullman Rotary Club on Thursday presented its Community Service Above Self Award to Stephanie Jowers.
The award is named in honor of longtime Rotarian Bill Buettner, an outstanding Rotarian who had perfect attendance for 50 years. Buettner was president of Buettner...
HANCEVILLE - One person was killed and one injured Thursday night when a pick-up truck and 18-wheeler collided at what Hanceville residents say is a notoriously dangerous intersection.
The incident occurred around 5:05 p.m. at Alabama Highway 91 and Edmondson Road, according to Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail.
“An 18-wheeler was traveling west on Alabama Highway 91,” said Nail, “and a small...
At an awareness event in October, Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force Chair Kathy Wilson, right, displayed Tribune articles on the county’s first two human trafficking arrests. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - On Dec. 29, President Donald Trump signed a proclamation naming January 2018 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The City of Cullman and Cullman County are...
Allie Smith, left and Katie Speer, right / Judson College
MARION – Two Cullman-area students were named to Judson College’s Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 semester. Freshman Allie Smith, of Holly Pond, and senior Katie Speer, of Cullman, were named to the list.
To be eligible for the honor, students must have completed a minimum of 15 hours, earned letter...
The Cullman County Republican Party is currently looking for Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE) candidates from the Fairview district. Chris Carter, our incumbent school board member from Fairview, has done a great job the past eight years serving on the board and we appreciate all his service; however, Mr. Carter will not be running for re-election, and the...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 3. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Garner, Toby Christian, 37
failure to appear- public intoxication
Green, Jason, 35
writ of arrest- child support
Mahler, Matthew Albert, 19
third-degree domestic violence- harassment
McClendon, Dewayne, 41
failure to appear- home repair fraud
Monk, Joel Wayne, 35
failure to appear- driving while revoked
nonsupport
Williams, Tanjanika Lea, 34
possession of drug...
Hazel is a 7-week-old tri-color puppy. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay wants to let their Pet of the Week, a tri-colored female puppy named Hazel, introduce herself.
“Hi! I’m just 7 weeks old, so I’m kind of new to life. I’m glad to be in a warm kennel on these cold days,...
CULLMAN - Cullman City business licenses are now due and payable. If you don’t already have your renewal forms you may download them by following the link below, or you may pick them up at Cullman City Hall during regular business hours (8 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Friday). You can mail your renewal forms and payment or pay at city hall...
Updated 1-4-18 at 9:57 a.m.
VINEMONT - A Vinemont woman died in a single-vehicle crash Wednesday evening, according to Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick, who identified the victim as Kendra Elizabeth Johnson, 34.
Johnson was driving a 2002 Chevrolet truck, hit a guardrail and overturned, said Alabama State Troopers. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Her passenger, Joshua Robert Mentzer,...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 2. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Aaron, Amos Moses, 31
first-degree receiving stolen property
first-degree theft of property
Gamble, Charles Verlis, 40
public intoxication
Laningham, Kevin Lee, 40
failure to register/establish SORNA (5 counts)
Moss, Bayli Nichole, 19
third-degree burglary
Parker, Galon, 36
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
Perry, Troy Cole, 27
failure to appear- liability insurance required
Potts,...
Architect’s concept drawing of the front of the proposed Turner three-story business/loft apartment development / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, the City of Cullman Planning Commission met in a protracted session, voting to recommend to the city council a modification of Cullman’s ordinance governing downtown loft apartments, to allow the development of three-story buildings with businesses on their...
FAIRVIEW - The Fairview Town Council voted unanimously Tuesday evening to approve the appointment of Steve Edelman as its new councilman. Edelman, who was not present at the meeting, will fill the seat left vacant by Norman Dye, who passed away in September 2017. Edelman is expected to be introduced at the council’s next meeting in February.
In old business,...
Cullman’s legislative delegation: Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman; Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope; Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview; and Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle / Tribune file photos, State of Alabama
CULLMAN - As Alabama’s Legislature gets ready to begin the 2018 session, The Tribune took a peek at some of the bills that have already been filed and are waiting on legislators...
Logan Trammell / Facebook
CULLMAN - Findings of an investigation into a fatal Christmas Eve shooting have been turned over to the Cullman County District Attorney's Office, the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) confirmed late Tuesday. The victim in the incident, Logan Wayne Trammell, 22, of Jones Chapel, was allegedly shot by his father, according to family and friends who...
Coach Mark Britton, pictured here on Jan. 1, 2018, led the Cullman High School football program for 17 years. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The 2017 football season was an emotional one for the Cullman Bearcats. After 17 years as head coach, Mark Britton announced his retirement on Sept. 22. That would’ve been a tough blow on its own, but...
Image courtesy of Missoula Children’s Theatre
CULLMAN - Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) will make its annual stop in Cullman this month. The group will be in town from Jan. 15-20 to put on “Jack and the Beanstalk.” The production will include area children, ages 5-18, with auditions held on Jan. 15 at 3:30 p.m. at the Cullman Civic Center.
The theatrical...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 29 - Jan. 1. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Anderson, Madilyn Paige, 19
failure to appear- liability insurance required
failure to appear- minor in possession of alcohol
failure to appear- speeding
Anderson, Steven Matthew, 39
failure to appear- driving while revoked (2 counts)
failure to appear- expired tag
Bailey, Jon Austin, 34
possession of...
Image shows house fire near Bethsadia Monday afternoon. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - Separate house fires destroyed two homes in Cullman County on New Year's Day. The first was on County Road 1339 in Vinemont and the second near the 6000 block of U.S. Highway 278 near Bethsadia.
In Vinemont, the fire call came in at approximately 2:30 a.m., said Vinemont-Providence...
Dr. Vicki Karolewics, Randall Shedd, Kerry Watson and Jerry Barlett / WSCC / Tribune file photos
CULLMAN COUNTY - In this installment of The Tribune’s New Year’s series, we hear from Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, Rep. Randall Shedd, Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson and Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett.
Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics
What is your...
Cullman County
Cullman County offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day. County Sanitation will run its normal routes.
City of Cullman
City offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 1, 2018, in observance of New Year’s Day. Both Monday’s and Tuesday’s residential sanitation and recycle routes will be run Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Commercial routes will be...
Tyler Nunnelley (61) has signed with Eastern Kentucky University. / Joe McElroy
CULLMAN - The Cullman Bearcats have developed a tradition for elite offensive linemen and senior Tyler Nunnelley is the latest product. Nunnelley was a four-year starter on the offensive front for Cullman and capped off his high school career by signing a scholarship to play for Eastern Kentucky...
Sam Roberts, the face behind The Warrior, covering the 2017 West Point Christmas Classic on Thursday, Dec. 28. / Nick Griffin
WEST POINT - It’s fair to say that most of the schools in the area have an active presence on social media. Some are more active than others, but West Point High School has a unique element in its...
CULLMAN COUNTY - Before the 2018 legislative session kicks off in Montgomery on Jan. 9, The Tribune caught up with area Representatives Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope and Randall Shedd, R-Fairview to talk about what citizens might expect to see coming out of Montgomery this year.
What’s coming up in this session?
Harbison responded, “I think this is going to be a...
The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation received a check for $1,833 from Bill Smith Buick GMC, Inc. Shown in the photo is Judy Grissom, CCBBF board member, receiving this check from Andy Cole, general manager.
For support during the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Bill Smith held a fundraiser. For each test drive taken, they donated $25 to...
Dameon Jackson reacts to the cold air as Christy Turner exits the pool after last year’s Polar Bear Plunge. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) is gearing up to start the new year with a week full of promotions and activities at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center (CWAC). Starting Monday, Jan. 1, Community Wellness...
The Cullman Elks Lodge will hold a New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball Sunday evening. / Cullman Elks Lodge
CULLMAN - Where do you and yours plan on ringing in the new year? Below are two local options.
Goat Island Brewing Pre-New Year’s Eve Party
Saturday, Dec. 30, from 7 p.m. to midnight at Goat Island Brewing, 1646 John H Cooper Drive SE...
Cullman County Commission / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, with only three items on its agenda. All three passed unanimously.
Approved a three-year participation agreement with the ACCA Liability Fund of the period of Jan. 1, 2018 through Jan. 1, 2021
Authorized payment to the City of Hanceville for Mud Creek cleanup in...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 28. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Brewer, Charity Faye, 36
possession of drug paraphernalia
possession of prescription medicine
Brown, Amanda Black, 35
failure to appear- driving while suspended
failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)
Gilland, Ciara Danielle, 25
judge’s order- DUI- influence of...
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Friday issued an alert of increased influenza (flu) activity across the state.
A media release from the ADPH reminds the public that the flu is a very contagious respiratory illness, with symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, headache, muscle aches and extreme fatigue.
"This increased rate of flu activity...
Pictured left to right: Colony Mayor Donnis Leeth, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail and Cullman County Commissioner Garry Marchman / Tribune file photos
CULLMAN COUNTY - As the new year is upon us, The Tribune is taking a little time to ask some of the county’s well-known personalities what they’ll remember most about 2017, and what they...
Colony Mayor Donnis Leeth, right, with Colony Councilwoman Ethel Alexander, in July / W.C. Mann
COLONY - The town government of Colony has faced some challenges this year, but Mayor Donnis Leeth seems as upbeat as ever. On Tuesday, The Tribune sat down with Leeth and Councilman Curtis Johnson to catch up on community events and plans, and to talk...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 27. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Hudson, Felisha Nichole, 31
failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
possession of drug paraphernalia
failure to appear- unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana personal use
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Johnson,...
Micky Dwayne Teague / Cullman Police Department
CULLMAN - A traffic stop in Cullman led to the discovery of 21.9 grams of methamphetamine and the arrest of a Decatur man, according to the Cullman Police Department. Micky Dwayne Teague, 49, was arrested and charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The CPD said...
Wade Allen Waldrop / Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
HANCEVILLE - A Hanceville man was arrested on Dec. 26, following an investigation by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) in which it was discovered that he allegedly molested multiple children under the age of 12, according to the department.
Wade Allen Waldrop, 40, has been charged with first-degree rape, two counts of...
Photo courtesy of Winterplace Ski Resort
CULLMAN - Cullman Parks and Recreation announced this morning it will host a ski trip Jan. 26-28. The event, the department’s first-ever ski trip, will take place at Winterplace Ski Resort in West Virginia. The ski trip is limited to the first 12 people who register. Only those 18 or older can attend.
The cost,...
Logan Trammell / Facebook
JONES CHAPEL - More details have been revealed about the Christmas Eve shooting that resulted in the death of Logan Wayne Trammell, 22, of Jones Chapel. Family and friends spoke to Birmingham news station WIAT CBS 42, saying the young man was tragically shot by his own father.
Trammell’s family told WIAT that he was driving away...
NASHVILLE - Roxanne Orr, of Cullman, qualified for the Fall 2017 Dean's List at Belmont University. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C.
Approximately 35 percent of Belmont's 8,080 students qualified for the Fall 2017 Dean's List. Belmont Provost Dr. Thomas Burns...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 22-26. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Boyd, Amy Jessica, 46
failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Conklin, Neal Patrick, 39
failure to appear- illegal possession of alcohol
Crumbley, Clint Jordan, 18
carrying a pistol without a license
illegal possession of alcohol
reckless driving
speeding- driving a vehicle at a speed greater...
Margaret Hamm / Alabama Retail Association
MONTGOMERY – Margaret Hamm, co-owner and operator of Cullman’s Monograms Plus, was recently elected to the Alabama Retail Association’s board of directors.
Hamm’s term begins Jan. 1, 2018. Monograms Plus, a jewelry, gift and apparel shop that offers onsite monogramming, has been an Alabama Retail member for nearly 19 years.
Hamm’s passion for embroidery came from...
CULLMAN - Donna Ruttkay of the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to Casey, our Pet of the Week:
“Hi! I’m Casey, a 1.5-year-old, 30-lb. female terrier mix. I was picked up as part of an animal cruelty case. I know how to love, though; I just need someone to practice with. I’m kind, loving and low-maintenance, and I’ll go...
TUSCALOOSA - Will Raney, of Cullman, a student in the Computer-Based Honors Program in the Honors College at The University of Alabama, presented the goals, outcomes and impact of research conducted in fall 2017 during "CBH Live 2017," an interactive presentation. The title of the Raney's project was "Towards Open and Interactive Sharing of Polymer Membrane Gas Separation Data."
The...
Pictured is West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo. / Tribune file photo
Edited 12-27-17 for clarity
WEST POINT - The Town of West Point has been awarded a $120,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), according to a statement from the office of Gov. Kay Ivey.
The CDBG funds will provide infrastructure needed for the construction of a combination convenience store, gas station and...
Wendy Shaw is Cullman’s first-ever certified nurse midwife. / Cullman Primary Care
CULLMAN - Cullman native Wendy Shaw is happy to be home. She’s even happier to be breaking new ground as the city’s first-ever certified nurse midwife (CNM). Shaw is now practicing at Cullman Primary Care Obstetrics & Gynecology and can deliver babies at Cullman Regional.
What is a CNM?...
Updated 12-25-17 at 9:02 p.m.
JONES CHAPEL - An accidental shooting has claimed the life of a Jones Chapel man. Logan Wayne Trammell, 22, died early Christmas morning after being accidentally shot on Christmas Eve.
Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick said the incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. at a private residence in the community of Jones Chapel. Trammell was transported...
Applicants are wanted for the 2018 Cullman County Master Gardener class, to begin Jan. 31, 2018. If you register for the class before Dec. 31, the fee is $125 and includes the cost of a thick reference notebook, refreshments, travel expenses for speakers and a background check.
Our office will be closed for the holidays Dec. 20, 2017 to Jan....
CULLMAN - Greencraft Mowers has been a fixture among local businesses in Cullman for years. It’s a family-owned business that has grown from a repair shop to a store offering products, advice, repairs and much more. Owner Ross Harrison has been around the business since he was young and has kept up the family business for 17 years.
“This was...
Pat and Joe Brown (R), with help from Michael Washam (L), serve up lunch outside Five Points Grocery Thursday. / W.C. Mann
Love God, serve people. God has blessed us a lot with our business. I’m a retired Marine, and this is all that we do. God has blessed us well, so we want to bless other people.”
Joe Brown, Devil...
Jason Sanford entered Wallace State’s Welding program in January 2016 after spending a decade in the banking industry as a loan lender. Sanford is on track to graduate in May 2018.
HANCEVILLE - Stroll through Wallace State Community College programs like welding or nursing and it’s not unusual to stumble upon a student who has returned to college with an...
Cullman Basketball Complex owner Branch Whitlock (in gray) said he saw a big local need for a facility like his. / Nick Griffin
HANCEVILLE - Cullman has always been a big sports town, but basketball can sometimes take a back seat to baseball and football. Branch Whitlock would like to see that change and is working to make basketball one...
Edited 12-27-17
Cullman County
Cullman County offices will be closed Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 25-26, for the Christmas holiday and Monday, Jan. 1, 2018 for New Year’s Day.
Cullman County Sanitation will not collect garbage on Christmas Day.
Monday routes will be run on Tuesday; Tuesday will be on Wednesday; Wednesday will be on Thursday; Thursday will be on Friday; and Friday will...
From the 2017 Night to Shine Prom/ courtesy Fairview: the Grace Place
FALKVILLE - On Feb. 9, Fairview: the Grace Place in Falkville will host its second annual Night to Shine Special Needs Prom, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. Pre-registration for the event is now open.
The Tim Tebow Foundation’s website describes this ministry: “Night to Shine is an unforgettable...
CULLMAN - First United Methodist Church Cullman (FUMC) hosted a Christmas program put on by its Mom’s Day Out and Sonshine Preschool students this week, and the sanctuary was full of excited parents and kids. The students ranged in age from 2 to 5 years old.
The program featured a nativity scene with all of the kids appropriately dressed for...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 21. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Phillips, Shannon Dawn, 38
permitting dogs to run at large
permitting livestock to run at large
Walker, Connie Wood, 60
third-degree criminal mischief
Warhurst, Jodi Davis, 42
possession of drug paraphernalia
first-degree receiving stolen property
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Cullman Police Department
Twilley, Carolyn B., 60
third-degree theft of...
CULLMAN - Donna Ruttkay, a volunteer at the Cullman County Animal Shelter, introduces us to Dulcet, a senior yellow lab.
Dulcet is and older and wiser female, a potential therapy dog. She is an excellent companion and likes to hang out with you while you read; she’s an all-around good egg. Dulcet loves all cats, children and other dogs. She...
MONTGOMERY – The state’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.5 percent, a new record, according to a media release from Gov. Kay Ivey. Cullman County’s rate is holding steady at 3 percent.
Ivey announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate set a new record low of 3.5 percent, down from October’s previous record-setting rate of 3.6 percent,...
HANCEVILLE - On Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council voted to enact an ordinance that creates a mechanism to collect debts, whether those who owe those debts like it or not. The measure will allow the Alabama League of Municipalities’ Municipal Intercept Service (MIS) to deduct owed money plus fees from the state tax refunds of citizens with outstanding...
New pageant director Monica Windham with daughter Jordan Windham (L) and niece Anna Hilb (R) / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in downtown Cullman, the annual Christmas Eve Children's Mass featuring the Christmas Pageant has become a tradition. Around 30 children from the congregation dress up as Mary and Joseph, angels, shepherds, wise men and...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 20. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Abbott, Randall Joe, 30
probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Duke, Michael Ray, 36
probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Golden, David Gene, 42
attempting to elude
second-degree criminal mischief
improper turn- left
possession of drug paraphernalia
proof of liability insurance required
reckless driving
speeding
second-degree unlawful possession...
Incoming CCMCA officers, from left, Vice President Donnis Leeth of Colony and President Bill Oliver of Holly Pond / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At its last meeting of 2017, the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association (CCMCA) elected new officers, and selected a recipient for the Lucille Galin Public Service Award.
Officers
The CCMCA had previously chosen a new president, and presented...
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope explains the proposed fuel tax legislation to county commissioners and mayors at Wednesday's meeting of the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Wednesday, the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association (CCMCA) voted to support proposed legislation that would add 3 cents to the county’s existing 1-cent gasoline tax, and...
Vinemont High School's InSPIRESS team / Photo courtesy of Shannon Bridges
VINEMONT - Vinemont High School’s InSPIRESS team won its division in the InSPIRESS Competition at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) on Dec. 15.
“The mission this year was to design a payload that would go to the moon and investigate properties that would allow humans to be able...
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope explains the proposed legislation to county commissioners and mayors at Wednesday's meeting of the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Wednesday, the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association voted to support legislation that would add three cents to the current one-cent county gasoline tax, and create a four-cent tax...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 19. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bonner, Natalie Faye, 30
DUI- .08 BAC or greater
Budweg, Carl Edward, 70
harassment
Dunson, Carlton Evan, 50
grand jury- failure to register/establish SORNA
probation violation- failure to register/ establish SORNA
Harbin, Jeffery Brian, 53
DUI- commercial vehicle driver
Harvey, Aleisha Mullins, 30
domestic violence- third-degree harassment (2 counts)
Jones, Patrick...
The Wallace State Community College Diagnostic Medical Sonography Class of 2017 includes, from left to right, front row: Courtney Jones, Joy Calloway, Neeki McNeely and Erica Barnhouse. Second row: Taylor Shewbart and Courtney Summers. Third row: Jessica Batson, Erica Roberson and Payton Chittam. Fourth row: Lyndsey Lunn, Ashley Acker and Katie Smith. Fifth row: Jeri Todd, Gloria Delaney, LaShauna...
Coaches and members of the Cullman Middle School eighth-grade football team were recognized for their second consecutive undefeated season. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Cullman City School Board met on a rainy Tuesday evening for its last official meeting of 2017. The event was held in Cullman High School’s Tillman Hall to make room for all the students who...
Yutaka representatives (at each end of the line) Aleese Horton, April Weaver, Summer Breskow Perry, and Courtney Brown present the Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR) a roomful of toys, new clothing items and other gifts for kids in foster care. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday morning, the Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR) received a...
GARDEN CITY - The Garden City Town Council spent a large portion of its Monday night meeting discussing the work schedule for town hall. Some of the council members said they have received complaints about the town hall only being open four days a week. After discussing the positives and negatives of a five-day and four-day weekly schedule, the...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 18. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Combs, Bradley Ryan, 33
failure to appear- driver’s license restriction violation
Cornelius, Amanda Lorean, 32
fourth-degree theft by deception
George, William Brian, 35
first-degree theft of property
Hall, Bryan David, 31
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
McClintock, Misti Sharee, 42
probation revoked- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Norwood,...
WEST POINT - At its Monday night meeting, the West Point Town Council heard plans from a local church’s representative about building a community food pantry, similar to the one in Cullman near the Mary Carter Store (Cullman’s Little Free Pantry). The pantry would be a small, self-service site where residents can either drop off or pick up donated...
MONTGOMERY - Influenza activity levels are increasing across the state of Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), which said several positive influenza (flu) specimens in north Alabama have been reported in the previous three weeks. While the flu season is just getting started in much of the country, activity is already elevated in Alabama with...
The Cullman City Council on Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 recognized Cullman Police Department patrol officers Hunter Potts (L) and Tyler Jackson (R) for their response to a double shooting in November. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, the Cullman City Council held its last meeting of 2017, considering measures that could lead to more annexations, new technological services...
Wallace State’s Quiz Bowl team members are, from left, Olivia Jones, Caleb Still, Zakk Waddell, Paul Knetter, Ross Wallace and Derik Arendall. Not pictured is Brett Hogan.
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State’s Quiz Bowl team recently capped off its fall season with a third straight tournament championship, winning the Wallace State Invitational.
Earlier in the semester, the Wallace State Quiz Bowl team...
Neal McLeod plays solo trombone in “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The 50-plus member Cullman Community Band delighted the crowd at the Cullman Civic Center on Sunday with its annual Christmas concert. Director/Conductor Garry Taylor led the band through a holiday set that included “Candlelight Carol,” “Away in a Manger,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”...
Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill, pictured in Cullman in April 2017 / Tribune file photo
MONTGOMERY - Pursuant to Act 2016-450, regarding the identification and recordation of write-in votes, Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill has determined that the individual write-in votes cast in the U.S. Senate election will be identified and documented for the results of special general...
FAIRVIEW - An Albertville woman was killed in a two-car crash in Cullman County on Sunday. The wreck happened in the 500 block of Wesley Avenue in the community of Fairview.
Imelda Morales, 29, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.
According to Alabama State Troopers, Morales was a passenger in a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse,...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 15-17. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Cooper, Kevin Lynn, 45
second-degree theft of property
Crawford, Lindsay Marie, 23
possession of drug paraphernalia
Duncan, Will Jeremy, 24
failure to appear- third-degree burglary
Estes, Elisha Nicole Camp, 37
failure to appear- public intoxication
Garrison, Tina Marie, 27
commitment order- cruelty to animals (3 counts)
Gilley, Christopher James, 26
possession...
Robin Henderson (right) from Holly Pond is the newest member of the Cullman chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) to be inducted into the order by Chapter President Ken Brown.
Members of the SAR can trace their family roots back to a patriot ancestor who fought in or supported the American side in our Revolution. There are...
