Multiple trees were lit on the campus of Cullman Regional at the conclusion of the 2017 Dr. Herman C. Ensor Lights of Love Christmas tree lighting ceremony Thursday evening, Dec. 7. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Colonel Cullmann Room at Cullman Regional was full Thursday night as dozens came out for the annual Dr. Herman C. Ensor Lights of...
Wallace State Nursing student Ashley McClintock of Cullman, right, shows first-graders a life vest during Let’s Pretend Hospital, as other Nursing students, Blake Howell of Cullman, left, Aaron Lanier of Birmingham, and Michelle Kreps of Cullman, look on.
HANCEVILLE - Over the last several weeks, the Wallace State Community College Department of Nursing Education has helped thousands of students in...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 6. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Black, Robert Lee, 33
third-degree domestic violence-third-degree criminal mischief
Briscoe, Timothy Ray, 52
possession of drug paraphernalia
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Brock, Jeffery Leavon, 51
possession of drug paraphernalia
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Burney, Kimber Inez, 29
trafficking in methamphetamine
Cochran, Daniel Stewart, 45
failure to appear-...
CULLMAN - Below is a list of Christmas events happening around the community from Thursday, Dec. 7 through Sunday, Dec. 10. For more details, visit www.CullmanTribune.com/calendar.
(Some text provided by individual event organizers)
Fridays and Saturdays, though Dec. 22
Santa Claus at Dodge City Park, 6-8 p.m.
Santa Claus will be at Dodge City Park Friday and Saturday nights through Dec. 22, from...
Wallace State Community College Dental Instructor Teresa Ray, right, is assisted by student Casie Hall at the Brase Clinic during a mission trip to Africa with Kenya Relief.
HANCEVILLE - Dental Hygiene students from Wallace State Community College embarked on an international service learning trip to Kenya earlier this semester where they worked as part of a global health outreach...
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Doug Jones campaigned in Cullman for first time Wednesday night ahead of the Dec.12 special election. / Nick Griffin
This is a season of opportunity. The question is gonna be whether Alabama will grab hold of that opportunity, or whether we will sit on the sideline and let the world go around us.”
Doug Jones
CULLMAN - An...
The exhibit of recruiting posters and war bond ads on the museum’s upper floor includes a copy of the famous Uncle Sam “I Want You” poster. / Cullman County Museum
CULLMAN - The United States quietly entered the centennial of its 1917-18 involvement in World War I this year, but the signs of commemoration are around if one knows where...
Cullman County's Lydia Haynes was elected State Women’s Leadership Committee Region 1 director during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 4. Region 1 includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston counties. From left are Federation State Women's Leadership Division Director Kim Ramsey and Haynes.
MONTGOMERY...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 5. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bassett, Mark Kevin, 48
cruelty to animals
Curvin, Meshach John, 22
DUI- .08 BAC or greater
Devlin, Charles Thomas, 52
failure to appear- second-degree theft of property
Dobbs, Ricky Eugene, 46
judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Griffin, Mitchell Lee, 58
public intoxication
Jackson, Dustin G., 31
writ of...
New Honor Society inductees: Front Row, (left to right): Fulton Gil, Gin Zheng, Elliot Deep, Adrian Smith, Abigail Curtis, Alison Gongre, Emma Pierce, Lauren Agnello and Mya Agnello. Second row, (left to right): David Kim, Leo Hsieh, Jacinta Tona, Gracie Loyd, Crystal Shi, Yessenia Pascual- Contreras, Carly Tombo, Claire Sanders and Gabrielle Bennett. Third row, (left to right): Carson...
CULLMAN - Cullman High School’s theater department won the highest honor at this year’s state Walter Trumbauer Festival, taking home the Best in Show title for its performance of “Scrooge: The Musical.”
The state Trumbauer Festival, which took place Dec. 1-2 at the University of North Alabama, is the premier high school theater festival in the state of Alabama, with...
The Cullman County Farmers Federation received the Award for Excellence Dec. 4. at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery. The award recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs, and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees. Cullman County Farmers Federation President Steve Lake, right, accepted the award from...
Holly Pond’s annual Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, Dec. 9. / Tribune file photo, 2016
HOLLY POND - In cooperation with the merchants of Holly Pond and the Town of Holly Pond, the Holly Pond Civitans are sponsoring this year’s Christmas Cards in the Park. Various merchants, school, church and civic groups, as well as individuals, created giant...
The annual Good Hope Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park will be held this Saturday, Dec. 9. / Tribune file photo, 2016
GOOD HOPE - The annual Good Hope Christmas Parade will start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9. The parade, which will start at the high school and end at the municipal park, will be followed by...
Council members display their Sheriff’s Rodeo T-shirts Monday evening, Dec. 4, 2017. / W.C. Mann
BAILEYTON - On Monday evening, the Baileyton Town Council took time from a light meeting agenda for members to recount the Baileyton Seniors’ day trip to Montgomery, and to get ready for this week’s Sheriff’s Rodeo special needs mini rodeo on Thursday.
Mayor Johnny Dyar and...
Print Communications Award winner Loretta Gillespie, center, with Cullman County Farmers Federation Reporter Lisa Lake, left, and Alabama Farmers Federation Director of Communications Jeff Helms. / Alfa Farmers
MONTGOMERY - The Tribune’s Loretta Gillespie received the Print Communications Award from the Alabama Farmers Federation during the organization’s 96th annual meeting in downtown Montgomery Dec. 3-4. Gillespie’s work also appears in...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 4. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Boyd, Lucas Andrew, 30
failure to appear- first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana personal use
Goings, John Edward, 49
first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana personal use
Graveman, Stephanie Elaine, 23
second-degree bail jumping- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Kelsoe, Breanna Reigh, 27
harassing communications
Lee, Jennifer Ann, 43
plea...
A sheriff's deputy confronts the driver of the vehicle that flipped following a chase on Alabama Highway 157 Tuesday morning. / Photo courtesy of Aerial Envision
Updated 12-5-17, 1:35 p.m.
CULLMAN - A high-speed chase along Alabama Highway 157 Tuesday morning ended when the vehicle being pursued by the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) flipped. The driver, identified by Cullman...
The home where the incident occurred, seen here Monday morning, Nov. 13, 2017, is located in the Carrol Acres subdivision on the southeast side of the city of Cullman. / Wendy Sack
CULLMAN - The man who allegedly shot and killed his stepfather before reportedly turning the gun on himself Sunday, Nov. 12, is awake, according to Cullman Police Department...
City Building, Planning, and Zoning Director Rick Fulmer (right) and Deputy Director Brian Landreth (left) called for an update to Cullman’s Building Code at Monday’s meeting of the City of Cullman Planning Commission. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday afternoon, all the signs of local growth were on display as the City of Cullman Planning Commission reviewed preliminary plans...
Holly Pond Mayor Bill Oliver at Monday night’s town council meeting / Nick Griffin
HOLLY POND - The Holly Pond Town Council gathered for its monthly meeting Monday night, where Mayor Bill Oliver introduced the town’s new deputy, Lucas Sheppard.
“It’s great to be here,” Sheppard said of his assignment so far. “Ever since I’ve been out here I’ve felt welcomed...
Cullman City Attorney Roy Williams at Monday's meeting / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - In a special session called due to scheduling conflicts around the next regularly scheduled meeting time, the Cullman City Council passed two resolutions on Monday:
--To allow City Attorney Roy Williams to retain additional outside legal counsel for the City of Cullman’s claim against manufacturers and wholesale distributors...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Dec. 1-3. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Armstrong, Stacey Denise, 39
third-degree theft of property
Bagwell, Scotty Wayne, 36
public intoxication
Cammon, Michael Eugene, 53
third-degree burglary
public intoxication
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Canada, Phillip Author, 42
failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Chaney, Johnny Alan, 33
failure to appear- driving while...
Sheriff Matt Gentry talks about the rodeo. This year’s saddle, which will be raffled Saturday night, may be viewed at the Cullman County Courthouse. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - It’s really not a Christmas event, but it still helps make this the “most wonderful time of the year” for a lot of folks. The Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Jimmy...
Janet Porter, founder and president of Faith2Action, referred to Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Doug Jones as “Abortion Jones” in her remarks at the Cullman County Republican Party meeting on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017.
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Republican Party hosted its monthly breakfast and meeting Saturday morning at the Cullman Elks Lodge and dozens came out to see this...
The Wallace State Singers, backed up by the Wallace State Jazz and Concert bands, perform during the 2016 Christmas program, “In the Mood for Christmas.” The Singers, Jazz Band, Concert Band and Choir will perform in the 2017 Christmas Spectacular on Thursday Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., with a special segment featuring students who participated in the SingKids! program...
Cullman Middle School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter was one of just 23 in the state of Alabama to be invited to the National FFA Convention in October. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - It has been a busy year for the Cullman Middle School chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) and it culminated at the National FFA...
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State’s Computer Science program is offering a new Swift App Development class beginning with the spring 2018 semester.
Through a partnership with the Alabama Community College System and Apple, students can register for CIS 157 and learn to code and design fully functional apps, gaining critical job skills in software development and information technology. The curriculum is...
The 28th annual Cullman County Christmas Parade rolled through Hanceville on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. / W.C Mann
HANCEVILLE - On Saturday afternoon, the city of Hanceville all but closed down for just a little while, as the annual Cullman County Christmas Parade rolled through town. There were more than 150 entries, including local officials and candidates, churches, businesses and...
Sen. Paul Bussman and Reps. Corey Harbison and Randall Shedd await questions from ACOE representative Cathy Fine at a meeting on Thursday evening, Nov. 30, 2017, in Cullman. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - This week, representatives of the Alabama Conference of Educators (ACOE) visited Cullman to host an education forum at the Cullman County Board of Education. State Sen. Paul...
The 41-foot-tall Christmas tree was a sight to behold, especially after the “snow” began to drift down from its top. / W.C. Mann
Man, what an amazing night!”
Cullman Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Anderson
CULLMAN - It was a night to remember in downtown Cullman Friday, as the city rolled out its holiday best for “Christmas in Cullman.” A parade ran...
Democrat Doug Jones, left, and Republican Roy Moore, right, are running for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions. / Photos courtesy of Doug Jones for Senate, Judge Roy Moore for Senate, respectively.
CULLMAN - With the special U.S. Senate election coming up fast (voters head to the polls Dec. 12), The Tribune contacted the local...
CULLMAN - Below is a list of Christmas events happening around town today, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017. For more details, visit www.CullmanTribune.com/calendar.
(Some text provided by individual event organizers)
Saturday, Dec. 2
Breakfast with Santa, 8-10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church Cullman
Breakfast with Santa!! Cost is $5 per person. All proceeds benefit our Angel Tree children. Includes breakfast and photos.
RSVP to...
Haleigh Beth Moore, left, with Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, right, who drew the winning raffle ticket for “Haleigh’s Blessing Basket” Friday evening. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The holiday season is one of blessings, and those milling about the Busy Bee Café early Friday evening in anticipation of the Christmas parade got to see one in action. That’s when...
More than 80 vendors are selling their wares at this year’s Holly Market Christmas Arts and Crafts Show at the Cullman Civic Center. The market continues on Saturday. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - A sure sign that the holiday season has begun, Cullman Parks and Recreation’s annual Holly Market Christmas Arts and Crafts Show opened at 9 a.m. Friday morning...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 30. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Barnett, Valerie Michelle, 35
probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Dunn, Virginia Dare, 24
third-degree criminal trespassing
harassment
Gable, Jackie Freeman, 40
third-degree robbery
Graves, Kimberly Johnson, 51
failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
Heath, Jimmy Ray Jr., 42
improper lane usage
possession of drug paraphernalia
possession with intent...
Premier Bank President and CEO, Jay Mullins (left) with Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Leah Bolin (right) at Thursday’s 30th anniversary celebration / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - Premier Bank of the South celebrated its 30th anniversary Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting event, and the building at 101 First Ave. NW was full of people there to join...
CULLMAN - Below is a list of Christmas events for you to enjoy this weekend, beginning Friday morning at 9 a.m. For more details, visit www.CullmanTribune.com/calendar.
(Some text provided by individual event organizers)
Friday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 2
Holly Market, 9 a.m. at the Cullman Civic Center
Cullman Parks & Recreation will be hosting the Holly Market on December 1-2 at the Cullman...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 29. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Banks, Joshua Lee, 21
possession of drug paraphernalia
Brittingham, Kevin Joshua, 27
failure to appear- proof of liability insurance required
Butler, Larry Trebor, 29
failure to appear- driving while revoked
Davis, Tristan Wayne Anthony, 20
third-degree criminal mischief
McCulloch, Joshua Connor, 18
unauthorized use/unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle
Perry,...
Visitors enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride at 2016’s Winter Wonderland at Sportsman Lake Park. This year’s event kicks off Friday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - The 15th annual Winter Wonderland Christmas light display at Sportsman Lake Park is gearing up for opening night this Friday, Dec. 1, and this year’s display will be packed...
The Hanceville Senior Center float was one of many in the 2016 Cullman County Christmas Parade. This year’s parade will take place on Saturday at noon. / Tribune file photo
HANCEVILLE - It’s that time of year again. Christmas season is upon us, and around here that means parades. For those seeking a fun non-commercial holiday experience, the tradition of...
Be Blessed Boutique will be located inside Bella Faire Day Spa and Salon. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Many Cullman area folks know Rhonda Hagemore as an agent with Keller Williams Realty. Folks in Dodge City know her work with the Dodge City Volunteer Fire Department, as well as Be Blessed Boutique, which she and her daughter Jessica own. And...
Employees and law enforcement can be seen outside the Yutaka Technologies plant in Cullman, where a fire was reported, on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017. / Wendy Sack
CULLMAN - A report of a fire at the Yutaka Technologies plant, located at 460 Alabama Highway 157, near the intersection of 157 and Alabama Highway 69, resulted in the evacuation of employees...
CULLMAN COUNTY - Two men working as contract construction workers for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) were struck by a vehicle on Interstate 65 Wednesday morning as they were removing barrels from the roadway. The incident occurred at approximately 9:44 a.m. near mile marker 296 in the southbound lanes.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Trooper Chuck Daniel said...
The Cullman High School Competition Cheer Squad won the AHSAA 6A title at this month’s State Cheer Competition. / Photo courtesy of Cullman High School
CULLMAN - The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) State Cheer Competition was held at Wallace State on Nov. 18 and saw dozens of teams fill up the gym, but only a handful went home...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 28. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Gillian, Gregory Linston, 50
harassing communications
Goings, John Edward, 49
first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana personal use
window tint
Jones, Clinton Mark, 28
probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)
Likos, Michael George, 44
failure to appear- first-degree sexual abuse
McClendon, Kelvin Thomas, 25
failure to appear-...
Cullman Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Leah Bolin smiles as she addresses the crowd gathered at Stone Bridge Farms Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2017. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and guests gathered at Stone Bridge Farms Tuesday evening to celebrate the first year and attainment of a major milestone for its five-year development program...
Chris Hopper, chairperson of the newly-created Cullman County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), left, and Phyllis Little, director of the Cullman County EMA / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - Cullman County’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster organizational meeting was held Tuesday night at the Cullman County Water Department building and the turnout reflected how much the community cares about the...
Christmas shopping is well underway in Cullman, and authorities say it’s been mostly peaceful. One of the city’s major retailers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, is seen here on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.
CULLMAN - As the nation entered into the heart of Christmas shopping season on Black Friday (and at many stores, Black Friday Eve) last week, it didn’t take long...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 27. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Alston, William Chris, 39
failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
Dingler, Anthony Brian, 35
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Foote, Terrah Michelle, 26
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Hunkeapillar, Hunter Glenn, 24
possession of drug paraphernalia
fourth-degree receiving stolen property
Johnson,...
ASCA/ACA Elementary School Counselor of the Year Elizabeth Shaddix works at West Elementary School in Cullman. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Nov. 16, West Elementary School’s Elizabeth Shaddix was named Elementary School Counselor of the Year by the Alabama School Counselor Association at the annual convention of its parent organization, the Alabama Counseling Association, in Mobile.
Shaddix has worked at...
Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett, at the City's council meeting on Monday, Nov. 27, 2017 / Nick Griffin
GOOD HOPE - The Good Hope City Council, at its meeting Monday evening, approved resolution no. 012-2017, which will see the Cullman County Sales Tax Office collect increased sales tax revenue generated by the City’s sales tax increase.
Good Hope passed ordinance 009-2017...
Dispatcher Debra Baker with Councilman Andy Page, Police Chief Kenny Culpepper and Councilman Clint Hollingsworth / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - It was a good news-bad news night at Monday evening’s Cullman City Council meeting as the council recognized the above-and-beyond actions of a police officer and two city 911 dispatchers, then approved an incremental increase in water and sewer rates over...
Brandon William Brown / Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
CULLMAN - A Hanceville man, already behind bars on charges of second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy for crimes involving a minor, was arrested again over the holiday weekend, this time on a warrant for sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12.
Brandon William Brown, 20, is in the Cullman County...
Both the Piggly Wiggly, and the Ace Hardware inside, are set to close in the next three weeks. / Wendy Sack
Updated 11-28-17
CULLMAN - Cullman's Piggly Wiggly, located at 4933 Alabama Highway 157, is set to close in the next three weeks. Employees speaking to The Tribune said management made the announcement shortly after Thanksgiving. A close-out sale at the...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 22-26. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Addison, Kayla, 25
failure to appear- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Baker, Sonya McClellan, 42
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Baumgartner, Leonce Adolph, 55
failure to appear- unauthorized use of a vehicle
Brown, Brandon William, 20
sexual abuse of a child under 12
Burley, Desirae Nicole,...
Katie Speer, recipient of the Mary Whitfield Lee Scholarship / Judson College
MARION – Judson College recently awarded the 11th annual Mary Whitfield “Whit” Lee scholarship to Katie Speer, of Cullman, for the current academic year.
“I am so grateful to have received this scholarship,” said Speer. “To be put in the same category as Whit Lee is such an honor....
Democrat Doug Jones, left, and Republican Roy Moore, right, are running for the U.S. Senate seat once held by Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions. / Photos courtesy of Doug Jones for Senate, Judge Roy Moore for Senate, respectively.
CULLMAN - Today is the last day for Alabamians to register to vote in the Dec. 12 U.S. Senate special election between Republican...
Cullman Fire Marshal Chris Chaffin talks fire safety. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - With the joy of the holiday season comes colder weather, and with that, come out the heaters, electric blankets and warm fireplaces. Each winter there are tragedies that affect communities around the nation due to the methods taken to stay warm during the cold months. Homes...
The Creche chapel includes seating for small groups, votive candles and holy water. / Courtesy of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery
HANCEVILLE - For almost all of us, the beeping and booping of price scanners and cash registers are as much sounds of the holiday season as Christmas carols. Whether face-to-face or online, it’s hard to get away from...
Stony Lonesome Park Manager Tyler Lindsey offers advice to a driver on how to make it up Donkey Punch, one of the park's hills. / Tribune file photo
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey this week awarded $3.3 million in grants to expand recreational trails in several communities across the state, according to a press release from Ivey's office.
In Cullman County,...
Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall, speaking to The Tribune’s Nick Griffin, said the school hopes to have a new head coach in place by Christmas break. / Wendy Sack
CULLMAN - It’s been a little more than two months since Cullman High School head football coach Mark Britton announced his retirement. The question every Bearcat fan is asking now...
Deacon Jerry Jacob outside Grace Episcopal’s Parish Hall, where Grace Place will meet / W.C. Mann
(A victim of dementia) is a child of God, still has a soul, still matters, and ought to matter to other people . . . They’re no less a person, just because they don’t have the memory they used to have. These folks aren’t...
A CELEBRATE Health Fair participant gets information on how to relax during the October event held at Wallace State Community College. The last event of the year will be held from 8 a.m. to noon, Wednesday, Nov. 29, in the Wellness Center.
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College’s Department of Nursing Education will offer its final CELEBRATE Health Fair of...
The Cullman Tribune will be publishing Letters to Santa this year beginning in December through the Christmas holidays.
Each letter will be published, some in hard copy* and some online. Letters should contain a salutation, an introduction of the child, the child’s list and any wishes for others, e.g. asking that Santa remember a brother/sister, or children who might...
Wallace State Community College Dental Hygiene students Karlee Stenger and Hanna Hornbuckle discuss digital detection of cavities and using the color-coded scale as a way to provide patients with a better understanding of their oral health.
HANCEVILLE - Dental Hygiene students at Wallace State Community College were put in the spotlight recently as they made clinical presentations in front of...
Vendor Jackie Wade at the 2016 Holly Market Christmas Arts & Crafts Show. This year's show will take place Friday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - Cullman Parks and Recreation will be hosting its annual Holly Market Christmas Arts & Crafts Show at the Cullman Civic...
L-R: Bethany Kerr, Levi Bates and Elena Caudle hope that “Serendipitous Too!” will bring Christmas cheer to even more patients than their successful first effort. On Dec. 20, Bates hopes to carry 525 copies of the book to the children at Children's of Alabama. / Photo courtesy of Elena Caudle.
CULLMAN - When poet and author Elena Caudle commented to...
Kacey Hall, Loretta Gillespie, Kristi Robertson and Proncey Robertson, make up the team of people who traveled to Boston as part of a cultural exchange experiment. / The Exchange
The Tribune’s Loretta Gillespie went on a special journey last week. She was one of four people from Lawrence County who were in Boston for a project called “Just Smile Boston.”
Gillespie,...
Cullman Shooting Sports is located at the intersection of Alabama Highways 157 and 69. It will open to the public on Dec. 1, 2017. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Christmas came early for more than 200 north Alabama shooting sports enthusiasts on Wednesday, when Cullman Shooting Sports hosted a pre-grand opening sneak-peek day for its founding members. Cullman Shooting Sports...
It’s Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, food and reflecting on our blessings. The Tribune reached out to its readers, as well as community leaders, and posed the question, “What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?"
Shared here are the responses:
Jeremy L. Kilpatrick, Cullman County coroner
“I am thankful for my wife and kids, family, friends and health. I am also...
A volunteer hand-delivers meals in Boy Scout Troop 241's drive-through line at the City of Good Hope's ninth annual community Thanksgiving meal on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017. / W.C. Mann
GOOD HOPE - On Wednesday, the leaders of the city of Good Hope, along with local Boy Scouts and volunteers from Good Hope High School and the community, put on...
CULLMAN - Longtime Cullman Warehouse District merchant Monograms Plus was burglarized in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 22, by a man who was captured on surveillance cameras.
Cullman Police Department Lt. Gene Bates said the man, described by storeowner Margaret Hamm as white, wearing a camouflage cap, a black North Face hoodie and painter’s pants, made forcible entry...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 21. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Clark, William Bennett, 61
failure to appear- third-degree domestic violence
James, David Allan, 36
probation revoked- second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
probation revoked- obstructing government operations
probation revoked- second-degree theft of property
Pearce, Jordan Claye, 25
judge’s order- first-degree theft of property
Sheppard, Rufus J., 41
second-degree...
Wallace State Diesel Technology Chair Jeremy Smith
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Diesel Technology Chair Jeremy Smith has been named a National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) Master Trainer.
Smith is a Master Trainer certifier in Battery Starting and Charging and Torque after recently completing training in North Carolina.
“As a Master Trainer, I’m able to administer the training for instructors and students...
Resident Richard Evers talks about possibly improving Shady Lane Drive. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - The Hanceville City Council held its regular meeting Tuesday, two days early, due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Matters on the table included questions about the ways in which city hall pays its bills, a request for improvements to a city road and the fate of...
Photo courtesy of Drive Safe Alabama
MONTGOMERY – To ease Thanksgiving traffic congestion statewide and as an added safety precaution, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced there will be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon, Wednesday, Nov. 22, through midnight, Sunday, Nov. 26.
“Motorists can do their part for roadway safety during the Thanksgiving holiday by wearing...
Doors opened Tuesday morning, and there was a line of customers waiting to get in. / Heather Mann
CULLMAN - After the sudden March 2016 closing of Ryan’s Buffet, some in Cullman have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of a new buffet: Golden Corral. After six months of renovations to the old Ryan’s building, Golden Corral opened its doors at...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 20. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Boatwright, Cicel Lee, 47
public intoxication
Campbell, Joshua Adam, 34
failure to appear- third-degree burglary
Clark, William Bennett, 61
attempting to elude
violation protection order
Cupp, Terry Dewayne, 47
probation revoked- possession of drug paraphernalia
probation revoked- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Floyd, Jeremy Dewayne, 35
failure to appear- negotiating...
Volunteers work happily at the Grover Reeves meal in 2016. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - For 23 years, the people of Cullman have been guaranteed a hot meal and the company of caring people on Thanksgiving Day, thanks to the Cullman Ministerial Association and a charitable visionary named Grover Reeves.
Reeves approached the organization of area ministers with the idea...
A sign outside the restaurant announces the opening date. / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - The wait is over, and just in time for Thanksgiving. Golden Corral will open its doors today, Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. in the old Ryan’s location on Cherokee Avenue in southwest Cullman. The restaurant’s official address is 1720 Cherokee Ave. SW.
News of the...
Cullman County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy, Brett Holmes, right, visits with an area veteran at Monday’s Thanksgiving meal at the Brandin’ Iron in West Point. / W.C. Mann
WEST POINT - On Monday, local veterans were treated to a free Thanksgiving meal at the Brandin’ Iron location in West Point, hosted by nonprofit Saving Forgotten Warriors (SFW). Students from West Elementary...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Nov. 16-19. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Booker, Gregory Bryan Jr., 25
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Calvert, Robert Preston, 39
failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Colburn, Dakota Chance, 22
possession of prescription medicine
Combs, Bradley Ryan, 33
failure to appear-...
CULLMAN - Thanksgiving week is upon us, and, as usual, the Cullman community is stepping up in a big way. There are at least four community-wide meals around the area, and they are all free. So, if you are looking for somewhere to spend Thanksgiving, either to eat, volunteer or both, or if you know someone in need, here...
Organizers had fun with the marketing for this year’s market, using the hashtag #NotYourGrandmasChurchBazaar / Heather Mann
CULLMAN - As the holiday season draws near, many people are looking for presents for friends and family, and local fundraiser sales can be a great way to shop for the perfect gift while giving back to the community. One such fundraiser, held...
BLOUNT COUNTY – A Hanceville man was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Saturday, Nov. 18 in Blount County.
According to Alabama State Troopers, Carl Wallace Williams, 60, was killed when the 2004 Ford pickup he was driving left the roadway, struck a fence and overturned.
A media release from Troopers said Williams, who was not using a seat belt, was...
Eight area principals are participating in the Principal Leadership Academy. Pictured left to right are: Robin Netherton (Vinemont High School), John Hood (Good Hope High School), Mike Jones (West Point Intermediate School), Kevin Sullins (Harmony School), Tonya Cupp (Good Hope Primary School) and Vicky Johnson (Cold Springs Elementary School). Not pictured: Alan Dunkling (Good Hope Middle School) and Kim...
LIMESTONE COUNTY - A Hanceville man was struck and killed by a vehicle in Limestone County early Saturday evening, according to a statement from Alabama State Troopers.
Cordell Hall Barnett, 74, a pedestrian, was hit by a 2017 Hyundai SUV on Alabama Highway 99, 3 miles north of Athens. Troopers said the crash occurred at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18.
Barnett...
Vendors had a variety of handmade crafts and goodies for sale at this year’s annual show. / Heather Mann
CULLMAN - Running a school band program isn’t cheap. Uniforms, instruments, instrument repairs, transportation, food for the performers and any registration fees for contests and competitions can add up quickly, so many bands rely on fundraisers as well as school funding...
FRANKWEILER, GERMANY - The Frankweiler office of the Palatine Forest Association (PWV Frankweiler) in Germany has released new photos of a recently-completed playground funded in part by a contribution made by Cullman’s Friends of Frankweiler in honor of longtime member Margot Tanner, who left Cullman in August to be near her children and grandchildren in Mesa, Arizona.
See http://www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2017/09/14/friends-frankweiler-donate-german-playground-honor-margot-tanner and www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2017/08/22/one-last-conversation-living-legend-margot-tanner.
After...
A Tradition Continues…Silent Night: Lights of Love participants close out the ceremony with the tradition of singing "Silent Night" as the lights magically appear and brighten the medical center. (2016, caption and photo courtesy of the Cullman Regional Foundation)
CULLMAN - The Cullman Regional Foundation will host the annual Dr. Herman C. Ensor Lights of Love Christmas tree lighting ceremony...
Ginger is about 18 months old. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
CULLMAN - Ryan Whisenhunt of the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to Ginger, The Tribune’s Pet of the Week.
Ginger is a stray who has been at the shelter since late October. She is a brindle shepherd mix, about 29 pounds. Ginger is attentive, respectful, well-mannered and quick to...
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Republican Party has announced qualifying dates for the 2018 Republican primary election. Those interested in running for public office may qualify from Jan. 8, 2018 to Feb. 9, 2018.
Local GOP Chairman Waid Harbison said that if candidates do not qualify with the Republican Party during the specified timeframe, they will not be able to...
The Friends of Cullman group / Photo courtesy Sigrid Rong/Friends of Cullman
FRANKWEILER, GERMANY - The Friends of Cullman, counterpart to Cullman’s Friends of Frankweiler, has announced an upcoming trip for its members from Frankweiler to Cullman next spring.
From the organization’s press release (translated from German): “The Friends of Cullman, Alabama met on Nov. 14 in Frankweiler Town Hall. This...
Amy Smith, Cullman County DHR director, said, “It is our position at Cullman County DHR that NO child should be deemed unadoptable, and that there is a forever family made for every single child in foster care with a plan of adoption.” / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Friday afternoon, the Cullman County Department of Human Resources (DHR) marked National...
West Elementary second-grader Emma Potter, with her family, after winning tickets to this year’s Iron Bowl / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - A second-grade Auburn fan received a special surprise Friday afternoon at West Elementary: tickets to next week’s Iron Bowl. Emma Potter received the tickets from the Alabama Education Association (AEA). She was chosen out of more than 37,000 qualifying...
Stan and Suzanne Wood receive the Farm Family of the Year award. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At its annual banquet Thursday evening, the Cullman Farm-City Committee named Stan and Suzanne Wood of Riverwood Farms in Bremen as the 2018 Farm Family of the Year.
The Farm-City Committee chooses a Family of the Year each year, rotating between choosing a Farm...
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey’s office Friday morning released the state’s latest unemployment numbers. According to the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL), Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, down from September’s previous record-tying rate of 3.8 percent, and well below October 2016’s rate of 6.1 percent.
Cullman County’s rate is again among the lowest in the...
CULLMAN - The holiday season is ramping up, and that means more weekend events around town. Find full event listings at www.CullmanTribune.com/Calendar. Below are a few annual events to enjoy.
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 17-18: Vinemont Band Booster Craft Show
This annual craft show will take place at the Cullman Civic Center on Friday, Nov. 17 and Saturday, Nov. 18 from...
Members of the Cullman High School FCCLA with sponsor Carin Rains, left and Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson, right / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Cullman City School Board gathered Thursday evening for its monthly meeting, kicking things off with recognitions of the accomplishments made by students and employees within the school system.
The first group recognized was the...
