Burgermeister John Dean and “Col. Cullman,” Larry Rowlette, keep tradition alive with the tapping of the root beer "keg," before moving on the to the real deal. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Wednesday evening, the city of Cullman officially kicked off Oktoberfest 2017. Burgermeister John Dean cut the ribbon, then headed for the kegs. In a nod to Cullman’s...
Judge Kim Chaney, left; Attorney Thomas E. Drake, II, right
CULLMAN - Cullman attorney Thomas E. Drake, II confirmed to The Tribune Thursday that he is the complainant in the ethics investigation of Cullman County District Judge Kim Chaney, and he gave one word as his reason: "nepotism."
The Alabama Ethics Commission found probable cause Wednesday that Chaney violated state ethics...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Oct. 3. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Ayers, Logan Ashleigh, 21
second-degree theft of property
Brown, Dayron Daniel, 43
first-degree receiving stolen property
Formby, James Rodney, 46
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
Graveman, Amy M., 40
failure to appear- DUI
Hollinger, Felicia Renae, 25
grand jury- illegal possession of food stamps
grand jury- public assistance fraud
Holmes, Carol...
Components of a stolen wrestling ring are loaded onto a trailer by Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long, center, and an inmate, for transport back to Walker County. / Noah Galilee
HANCEVILLE – Here’s something you don’t hear every day. On Wednesday afternoon, the Hanceville Police Department recovered a stolen professional wrestling ring at JC Arena, located on Highway 31 North...
Updated 10-4-17 4:43 p.m.
CULLMAN - Longtime Bearcat coach Mark Britton has been diagnosed with kidney cancer. The news comes less than two weeks since Britton announced he will retire after this season. He made that announcement on Sept. 22.
Cullman High School Principal Kim Hall released the following statement late Wednesday afternoon:
"On Friday, Sept. 22, 2017 Coach Mark Britton announced...
Pictured, left to right: Theresa Mann, Marie Lindsey, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Carol Horstman and Regina Grant / Leanne West
CULLMAN - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Wednesday officially proclaimed the month of October 2017 “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the city of Cullman.
According to statistics provided by Victim Services of Cullman, one in four women will experience domestic violence at...
Good Samaritan Health Clinic’s Jolanda Hutson explains the clinic’s mission as she requests the council’s support. / W.C. Mann
HOLLY POND - This week, the Holly Pond Town Council passed a $457,179 budget for fiscal year 2018.
The budget is based on last year’s revenues, since the council did not foresee any changes in the coming year, though it did express...
October is all about PINK! Mark your calendars for these cancer fundraisers.
Oct. 1- Nov. 10 Turkey, ham and ribs
The third annual BBQ fundraiser. Orders will be taken for Freddie Day’s delicious smoked meats. Turkeys, 15-17 lbs., are $30. Hams, 10-12 lbs., are $30. Full racks of ribs are $25.
Orders may be picked up from Freddie Day Catering from 11...
Fairview Volunteer Fire Department Chief Doug Williams, center, speaks to the Fairview Town Council Monday evening. / Nick Griffin
FAIRVIEW - The Fairview Town Council held its monthly meeting this week, and the bulk of the night was spent with Fairview Volunteer Fire Department Chief Doug Williams. Williams met with the council to address concerns that some in the town...
2016’s Burgermeister, Rev. John Richter, left, will pass the title on to John Dean Wednesday evening. / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN - Cullman Oktoberfest 2017 will officially kick off Wednesday, Oct. 4, with opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. at the Festhalle downtown. Festivities will include the introduction of this year’s Burgermeister, John Dean, the tapping of the kegs and the...
CULLMAN - On Tuesday, a day after the Cullman City Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for the use of the old K-Mart property in south Cullman, Becky Zirlen, Planet Fitness public relations manager, confirmed that the fitness chain will open in part of the building.
“We are looking forward to bringing Planet Fitness, home of the Judgement Free...
The Hanceville Masonic Lodge will host a Swamp John’s fundraiser today, Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 4-7 p.m. at Hanceville Assembly of God’s fellowship hall. All proceeds go to buy Christmas for needy children. 402 Shady Lane Dr. SW, Hanceville, AL 35077.
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Oct. 2. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bevington, Brian Alan, 50
failure to appear- driving while revoked
failure to appear- second-degree forgery
Davis, Michael Jacob, 28
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Edwards, Terry Eugene, 33
unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle
Isbell, Rocky Joe, 36
parole violation/revocation- second-degree assault
Letson, Jenny Marie, 39
possession of...
The Good Hope Baptist Church congregation celebrated the church’s 175th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017. / W.C. Mann
GOOD HOPE - On Sunday morning, members of Good Hope Baptist Church celebrated the church’s 175th anniversary with a special service and full day of celebration. Members gathered documents and photos, and descendants of several charter members shared their families’ stories. ...
CULLMAN - Officials with the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) recently announced the names of approximately 16,000 semifinalists, less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, in the 63rd annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Four local students were named:
Cameron Cottingham, Cullman High School
Genevieve Griffin, St. Bernard Preparatory School
Andrew L. Sweeney, St. Bernard Preparatory School
Thomas M. Parker, West Point...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 29-Oct. 1. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Boone, John Thomas, 33
domestic violence- third-degree harassment
Bumpus, Blake Rashad, 25
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Clemons, Frandrica Andrea, 22
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Edwards, Terry Eugene, 33
third-degree burglary
third-degree criminal mischief
fourth-degree theft of property
Goss, Marcus Ryan, 25
second-degree...
“Daisy the Nice Dragon” was written by Hallie Christensen and illustrated by Cristal Baldwin. / Photo courtesy Hallie Christensen
CULLMAN - Vinemont native and Cullman resident Hallie Christensen recently fulfilled her longtime dream of publishing a children’s book, with the release of “Daisy the Nice Dragon” on Sept. 15.
Daisy is a dragon unlike other dragons. She flies and breathes fire,...
CULLMAN - The Board of Directors of Merchants Bank of Alabama is pleased to announce that Ross West has been promoted to vice president – loans.
West has been with the bank for more than 10 years, initially starting part-time while continuing his education. West worked through the internal areas of the bank and moved into the loan collection area...
Wallace State Salon and Spa Management instructors Amy Moore, left, and Sabrina Flanigan, right, with two of the attendees of the recent Look Good Feel Better program hosted at the college, Angie Dingler, second from left, and Renee Quick.
HANCEVILLE - As the women applied blush, mascara and lipstick, they shared the stories of their battle against cancer and forged...
Cullman Shooting Sports Facility Manager Doug Long demonstrates the wireless target movement and retrieval system. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - As Cullman Shooting Sports draws closer to completion, its staff is aiming (pun absolutely intended!) to see the one-of-a-kind facility become one of the top stops in the nation for fans of shooting sports. And that could happen by the...
CULLMAN - On Saturday morning Sheriff Matt Gentry and his deputies from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office found themselves caught in an overwhelming incident at Heritage Park. Even through the coordinated efforts that come from all the team training that CCSO deputies do, they were simply no match for the threat they faced. Sometimes you just have to face...
Cullman Area Mental Health Authority’s Executive Director Chris Van Dyke will be the chief operating officer of WellStone Behavioral Health.
CULLMAN - Cullman Area Mental Health Authority will merge with Huntsville’s WellStone Behavioral Health, effective Oct. 1, according to a press release issued by the Huntsville-Madison County Mental Health Board. The merger was also announced at this week’s meeting of...
Updated 10-2-17
CULLMAN - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced Friday that a flashing yellow arrow turn signal will be installed on Tuesday, Oct. 10 on Alabama Highway 69/Cherokee Avenue at Olive Street in Cullman.
"The four-arrow signal head featuring the flashing yellow arrow is a safe and efficient way to establish right of way for left-turning vehicles at intersections,"...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 28. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Adkins, John Paul, 28
possession of drug paraphernalia
first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana not for personal use
Burke, Brian Ernest, 37
third-degree domestic violence- third-degree criminal mischief
Caffey, Eric Lamar, 23
failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
failure to appear- possession with intent to distribute a...
HANCEVILLE - Anyone who has ever wanted to see Antebellum homes all decked out for the holidays can do that and more when the Wallace State Community College Alumni Association takes a group of travelers on a holiday trip to Natchez, Mississippi. An Antebellum Christmas tour will be from Nov. 30 through Dec. 3, 2017.
The trip will make stops...
Vice President Mike Pence stops in Bldg. 4619 to take a group selfie with members of the SLS team, using Systems Engineer Heather Haney’s phone. Photo courtesy Heather Haney/NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center
HUNTSVILLE - Both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence decided to swing through Alabama to stump for Luther Strange ahead of Tuesday’s special Senate election. On...
CULLMAN - During a busy session Thursday morning, the Cullman County Commission approved its fiscal year 2018 budget. The budget totaled $54.2 million, with $21.5 million in the General Fund.
County Administrator Gary Teichmiller stated that the 2018 budget represented a 2.6 percent increase over this year’s budget, with most increases coming from increased healthcare costs and a one-time payout...
Patrick Joseph Cunningham, left; Gerald Wilson McDonald, right / Cullman County Sheriff's Office
HANCEVILLE - Two Hanceville men are behind bars following a two-week long investigation by the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and Cullman Narcotics Enforcement Team (CNET).
On Wednesday, Sept. 27, according to a media release from the CCSO, Patrick Joseph Cunningham, 37, and Gerald Wilson McDonald, 58, were...
Devante Smith, left; Jordan Evans, right / Cullman City Police Department
CULLMAN COUNTY - Two Birmingham men were arrested by the Cullman Police Department on Wednesday, charged with trafficking illegal drugs.
According to a media release from the CPD, on Wednesday, Sept. 27, the department conducted an undercover operation on County Road 437 in Cullman County, where undercover officers allegedly purchased...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 27. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Cunningham, Patrick Joseph, 37
possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)
trafficking in methamphetamine
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana (2 counts)
unlawful possession of a controlled substance (3 counts)
Dutton, Anthony Dale, 41
failure to appear- third-degree criminal mischief
Goodwin, Joseph Grady, 27
third-degree burglary
Goss, Marcus Ryan, 25
parole violation/revocation-...
Local seniors join in to cut the ribbon on the new Fairview Senior Center. / CCCOA
FAIRVIEW - The Cullman County Commission on Aging (CCCOA) on Tuesday cut the ribbon on its newest senior center, this one in Fairview. In attendance were State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, Cullman County Commissioners Garry Marchman and Kerry Watson, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry,...
VINEMONT - A while back, The Tribune got a question from a contractor and asbestos removal specialist who ran into trouble when he called his regular Dumpster supplier for a job in Vinemont. The supplier told him that the only place to rent Dumpsters in Cullman County is from the Cullman County Sanitation Department. He then contacted The Tribune...
CULLMAN - This Friday, Sept. 29, from 6-8 p.m., the Cullman Elks Lodge will hold its annual low country boil. The event, helps fund the $1,000 Elks Lodge Scholarships, which are given to one male and one female student in Cullman County each year.
For $15 per plate, customers will get 12 shrimp, polish sausage, red potatoes, corn on the...
Darlene Phillips with Cullman Lion Don Smith / Noah Galilee
CULLMAN - This year’s Cullman County Fair Queen of the Kitchen has been crowned. Darlene Phillips, who was also queen in 2014, won the honor this year.
“I was queen of the kitchen in 2014 and I’ve been off for a few years,” said Phillips.
The contest entails contestants making 10 different...
CULLMAN - Ryan Whisenhunt with the Cullman County Animal Shelter, introduces us to our second Pet of the Week this week.
"Hello my name is Josie and I am about 2.5 years old. I am believed to be a Corgi mix. I am alert, I have a low energy level, I have a happy personality, I would make a great...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 26. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Douglas, Nicole Adrienne, 42
public intoxication
Garner, Weslie Danielle, 29
judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)
Godsey, Christopher Hoyt, 43
third-degree domestic violence- third-degree assault (2 counts)
Moore, Joy Renee, 51
failure to appear- public intoxication
Stiefelmeyer, Carl Albert III, 52
public intoxication
Cullman Police Department
Kennedy,...
Hanceville High School Band Director Steven Porter (seated) and the Dog Pound Players / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Recent events in this part of the country have heavily taxed the resources of relief agencies across the board, and many people and groups have stepped up to respond: some by taking on the task of response themselves, and others by offering...
In the race for U.S. Senate between Sen. Luther Strange and Judge Roy Moore, we saw a familiar trend - rural Alabama spoke loud and clear just as rural America spoke loud and clear in the 2016 presidential election.
Rural Alabama is tired of being left behind and so is rural America.
Sen. Strange won only one rural county along with...
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday released the following statement on the U.S. Senate primary runoff:
“One of my first acts as governor was to move the special election date so it was held in compliance with the law. Now the people have had their say.
“Republican voters chose their nominee for the United States Senate. I encourage all Alabamians...
Roy Moore speaks Tuesday night after winning the Republican primary run-off election against Sen. Luther Strange. / Source: WBRC video
WASHINGTON D.C. - Republicans who campaigned against Roy Moore in the special election primary, sometimes bitterly, are now voicing support for the former Alabama Supreme Court justice as he moves on to the election in December.
President Donald Trump, who personally...
CULLMAN - The 2017 Ms. Cullman County Fair Queen pageant was held Tuesday night in the Coca-Cola Theatre on the grounds of the Cullman County Fair. Below is a full list of winners.
(Shown above)
Left to right:
Ms. Ally Peyton Knight, representing Good Hope High School, won the talent portion of the competition and was named first runner-up. Knight will receive...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 25. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Dingler, Anthony Brian, 35
judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Jones, Patrick Eric, 31
violation protection order
Milligan, Sarah Marie, 24
drug court sanction- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Perkins, Anthony James, 25
drug court sanction- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Ross, Brandon James,...
The West Point Town Council met Monday evening. / Nick Griffin
WEST POINT - The West Point Town Council met Monday night for its monthly meeting after rescheduling its session last week. After a prayer and the pledge of allegiance, the meeting got underway with a statement from a representative of the West Point High School tennis team, Tim Garner.
Garner...
Top row, l-r: Ally Knight (Good Hope), Averie Harris (Fairview), Gracie Thomas (Holly Pond), Haylee Dauphin (Cullman)
Bottom row, l-r: Hillary Holcomb (Vinemont), Raven Gilliland (West Point), Savannah Aaron (Cold Springs), Serah Hudson (Hanceville)
CULLMAN - The 2017 Cullman County Fair Queen Pageant is tonight, Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. in the Coca-Cola Theatre on the Cullman County Fairgrounds.
Representatives of...
FILE - This combination of 2017 file photos shows U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore, left, and Sen. Luther Strange. Strange and Moore face off Tuesday, Sept. 26 in the Republican runoff for U.S. Senate. (Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser via AP, Butch Dill, File) (Associated Press)
CULLMAN - A wild, oftentimes crude, special election primary campaign comes to a close today...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 22-24. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Allred, William Joseph, 22
possession of drug paraphernalia
second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Bray, Amanda Leanna, 26
failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
failure to appear- second-degree promoting prison contraband
failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Bryant, Lijah Blue, 40
bail jumping 2- possession...
The Board of Directors of Merchants Bank of Alabama recently promoted Kimberly Dockery to senior vice president and Silver Spirit director.
Dockery joined Merchants Bank of Alabama in 2000 and worked in the customer service area of the bank assisting customers in many different transactions and banking services. Dockery assisted with the bank’s Silver Spirit program and was named director...
Connor Milligan waits for his turn on The Genesis. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Fair opened its gates Thursday night and, as usual, there are several fun rides for guests to enjoy, ranging from traditional bumper cars for kids to terrifying thrill rides like The Zipper and The Kamikaze.
For this year’s festivities, local Cullman High School alumnus...
The Japan America Society of Alabama annual meeting was held earlier this month at Regions Field in Birmingham. Two Cullman companies - Alabama Cullman Yutaka Technologies and Topre America - were presented certificates honoring their job creation and capital investment in the state in 2016.
Pictured above: From left: Vince Perez, Alabama Department of Commerce; Peggy Smith, Cullman Area Chamber...
Pictured left to right: Dr. Johnny McMoy, WSCC; Jamie Troutman, Cullman EDA; Joseph Burchfield, TVA
CULLMAN - The Cullman Economic Development Agency won a Bronze Excellence in Economic Development Award this week for its recruitment of Sequence Health, a project in the category of Partnership with Educational Institutions of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The honor was presented at an...
CULLMAN - It’s the end of an era at Cullman High School. Following a successful 30-year career in education and athletics, Cullman High School head football coach and former head baseball coach Mark Britton on Friday announced that this season will be his last.
After achieving the goal of 30 years with an accumulated 149 career football wins to date...
CULLMAN COUNTY - A Russellville man was arrested on Thursday, charged with second-degree rape, according to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office.
Shawn Douglas Berryhill, 20, allegedly entered a home in Hanceville after communicating with a minor on social media. Berryhill's alleged victim came forward to the CCSO investigators after being interviewed by the Child Advocacy Center.
Because the crime involves a...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 21. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Berryhill, Shawn Douglas, 20
second-degree rape
Blalock, Darrell Wade, 36
probation revoked- unlawful manufacture of a controlled substance
Easterwood, Wallace Brent, 42
certain person forbidden to possess a pistol
improper transfer of firearm- providing false information to dealer
James, Michael Wayne, 41
grand jury- second-degree rape
grand jury- first-degree...
TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama awarded approximately 1,300 degrees during summer commencement August 5. Among those, according to a media release from the university, were 13 Cullman-area students.
William E. Alexander, of Arley, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Jade A. Bradford, of Cullman, Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Michael Sterling Harbison, of Cullman, Bachelor of Science in Human Environ Science
Cody...
L-R: Lisa Burgess, Program Manager Grace Potter, Angela Shadden / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Tucked away in an inconspicuous corner of Cullman is a little office, full of people, with a big mission. The Bridge Cullman is an outpatient addiction treatment center that provides therapy and support for adolescents ages 12 to 18 diagnosed with chemical abuse or dependency, and...
CULLMAN - The 63rd annual Cullman County Fair got underway Thursday afternoon with the raising of the Cullman Lions Club’s new 12 -by-18-foot American flag on the fairground’s new flagpole. Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs was joined by members of the Cullman City Council and Cullman County Commission, Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, and other...
CULLMAN - Former state representative, one-time lieutenant governor candidate, Methodist minister and the first African American to ever be elected to state office from Cullman County, Democrat James C. Fields, Jr. on Tuesday evening, before a fired-up crowd of supporters at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman, declared his candidacy for governor of Alabama. Fields will seek election in 2018.
In...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 20. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Barker, William Alvin, 51
failure to appear- attempting to elude
Bouldin, Samantha Marie, 27
failure to appear- possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
failure to appear- speeding- reasonable & prudent
Calvert, Chaulka Charles 41
writ of arrest- child support
Doss, Charles James Edward, 49
judge’s order-...
HANCEVILLE - An incident involving a man declaring suicidal intentions inside a home on Alabama Highway 91 near Pitts Chevron in Hanceville early Wednesday evening was resolved quickly and without incident, according to Hanceville Assistant Police Chief Adam Hadder.
Hadder told The Tribune that the man, described only as in his 30s, had a gun, but didn’t threaten anyone but...
Holly Hirsbrunner, Rita Kelley and Dixie Bergquist with the kittens shortly after they were found Saturday morning. Photo by David Hudson
GOOD HOPE - On Saturday morning, a group of friends bicycling near Good Hope heard a strange sound coming from the creek in the woods alongside the county road. Rita Kelley, Dixie Bergquist and Holly Hirsbrunner stopped to investigate...
MORGAN COUNTY - A Falkville man was killed Wednesday in a two-vehicle crash in Morgan County.
According to a media release from Alabama State Troopers, Ken McDearmon, 62, was killed when the 2013 Dodge Challenger he was driving collided head-on with a 2001 Dodge 1500. McDearmon, who was not using a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Three people...
The Cullman County Fair will run from Sept. 21-30. / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN - The smell of funnel cakes and candy apples will fill the air Thursday night, when the 63rd annual Cullman County Fair opens its gates at 5 p.m. at the Cullman County Fairgrounds.
The fair, put on by the Cullman Lions Club, will run from Sept. 21-30...
Gregory Jerome Lee
BIRMINGHAM - An Alabama man was sentenced Wednesday to 90 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for production of child pornography involving seven minor victims, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town of the Northern District of Alabama.
Gregory Jerome Lee, 54,...
CULLMAN - Back in August, a Cullman Police officer posted a survey on social media, with the permission of the department, asking how folks felt about the idea of police officers wearing beards. The general response was positive toward the idea, as long as facial hair was kept short and neatly trimmed. Those who opposed the idea preferred officers...
Editor’s note: The original version of this story, published on Tuesday, Sept. 19, stated that all five suspects were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. An amendment from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Sept. 20 clarified that only Lijah Blue Bryant was charged with that crime.
Top row, l-r: Lijah Blue Bryant, Bradley Allen...
U.S. Air Force Reserve Airman First Class Edgar Orona recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas.
Orona completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training also earn four credits toward an associate...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 19. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Bates, Mark Anthony, 39
first-degree receiving stolen property
Blankenship, Dahn Allen Jr., 45
domestic violence- third-degree harassing communication
Bouldin, Samantha Marie, 27
bondsman process-possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Burley, Desirae Nicole, 22
failure to appear- third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
Chambers, Robbie Ray,...
CULLMAN COUNTY - Next Monday, the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) will be hold a firearms safety class. The event will be a classroom-only night, and will be held on Sept. 25 at 6 p.m. at the CCSO.
According to the CCSO, the class will focus on safely handling a weapon, proper technique for shooting a weapon, cleaning a weapon...
Triumphant Quartet / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Good Samaritan Clinic held its third annual Caring for Cullman Concert this week at Cullman High School, featuring two gospel acts with local connections. As crowds filled the venue, the event was expected to raise more than $25,000 for the clinic, which offers medical services to the uninsured of Cullman County.
Bama Blu-Grace...
Author, Dr. Delos Hughes, right, speaks to a guest at Sunday’s book signing and discussion event at the Cullman County Museum. / Drew Green
CULLMAN - On Sunday, even though it took place in the midst of a pop-up storm, a crowd of people showed up for what turned out to be quite an interesting lecture and book signing by...
Sheriff Matt Gentry talks about the use of firearms by law enforcement officers as instructor Sgt. David Nunn gets ready to bring students to the line. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Law enforcement officers today have numerous tools at their disposal with which to deal with criminals. First, they are well-trained in techniques of communication and negotiation, to prevent confrontations...
CULLMAN - Democrat James C. Fields, Jr. Tuesday night officially declared his intention to run for governor of Alabama in 2018. Fields made the announcement to a fired-up crowd of supporters at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman.
Reported WBRC, Fields, 62, is a United Methodist minister and works for the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations. He won a special District...
Editor’s note: The original version of this story, published on Tuesday, Sept. 19, stated that all five suspects were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. An amendment from the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, Sept. 20 clarified that only Lijah Blue Bryant was charged with that crime.
http://www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2017/09/20/updated-5-charged-after-search-yields-meth
Top row, l-r: Lijah Blue Bryant, Bradley Allen...
VINEMONT - A Vinemont man has been arrested and charged with first-degree sexual abuse.
According to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), investigators arrested and charged John Paul Adkins, 28, following an investigation in which it was allegedly discovered that Adkins had sexually molested a minor.
The CCSO said the victim is known to the suspect, and that the victim came...
CULLMAN - A person in Cullman has tested positive for the West Nile Virus, according to a statement from Cullman Regional. The hospital said the patient presented with a severe headache and fever. He or she has been treated and since released. The diagnosis was made within the last seven days.
According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH),...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 18. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Adkins, John Paul, 28
first-degree sexual abuse
Bryant, Lijah Blue, 40
possession of drug paraphernalia
possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
Ford, James Allen, 26
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Hill, Bradley Allen, 38
possession of drug paraphernalia
Jones, Kevin Doyle, 32
failure to appear- unlawful possession...
HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College will host its third CELEBRATE Adult Health and Wellness Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 8 a.m. to noon, in the Conference Center of the School of Nursing and Center for Science on the Hanceville campus.
“We are excited to once again offer this free event to area residents in Cullman and surrounding counties,”...
Christopher Rosko of Hoover accepts a $10,000 check from Saint Bernard Prep School President, Father Joel Martin. Rosko was the grand prize winner of the 2017 Bernard Blues and BBQ Giveaway. / Joyce Nix
CULLMAN - The first ever Bernard Blues and BBQ Festival is now in the books. Saint Bernard Prep School President Father Joel Martin declared the brand-new...
CULLMAN - After the passing of local WWII and Korean War veteran Robert F. Palfrey, Sr., his family decided to do a little good with his little-used automobile. They contacted United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) Executive Director Sammie Danford who knew just what to do.
Palfrey, Sr. served in WWII and the Korean War, Danford told The Tribune in...
CULLMAN - Cullman County Master Gardeners got a not-so-nice surprise Monday when a member showed up to place some plants and found that the group's Demonstration Garden on First Avenue Southeast had been vandalized. The garden's footbridge has been broken, and Master Gardener Teresa Goodwin said the damage could be in the hundreds because the group chose to construct...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 15-17. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Brooks, Raleigh Winston, 45
public intoxication
Brown, Dayron Daniel, 43
second-degree promoting prison contraband
public intoxication
Brown, Terry Martez, 24
possession of drug paraphernalia
Chidester, Hunter Blair, 21
public intoxication
Coleman, Jarquez Lamonte, 22
possession of drug paraphernalia
Farmer, Kimberly Taylor, 24
failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
Filyaw, Jake Houston,...
Current chapter officers for JSU's chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are, from left, Destiny Jordan, vice president of social media; Ashlyn Jones, Star Status coordinator; Lillidra McCray, vice president of community service; and Natalie Millar, chapter president. / JSU
JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville State University's chapter of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) recently earned the Bronze...
2017 Poultry & Egg Association Hall of Fame inductee Danny Farr, with wife Geraldine Farr and family / W.C Mann
CULLMAN - On Saturday evening, the Cullman County Poultry & Egg Association held its annual meeting and dinner at the Cullman Civic Center, where Danny Farr was recognized as the association’s 2017 Hall of Fame inductee.
A Holly Pond graduate who...
L-R: Patricia Kahler, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Rhonda Van Zandt and Julia Floyd / Office of Mayor Woody Jacobs
CULLMAN - Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs has officially proclaimed the week of Sept. 17-23, 2017, “Constitution Week” in the city of Cullman.
On Sept. 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met to sign the U.S. Constitution. Sept.17, 2017, marks the 230th...
DODGE CITY - It all began late in the afternoon of Saturday, Sept. 9, with a single social media post asking for a little help. Rhonda Hagemore of the Dodge City Volunteer Fire Department wrote:
“We have had a request from the Rest Area on I-65 between Exit 299 & 304 that there are Evacuees there that have no place...
Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, third from left, stands with the family of the late Kay Barnett. The family established the Kay Barnett Memorial Scholarship fund. From left are Mr. Barnett’s son-in-law, Chuck Troxler; daughter, Sherri Troxler; Karolewics; wife, Selma Barnett; son, Stephen Barnett; and daughter-in-law, Kristi Barnett.
HANCEVILLE - The family of the late Kay Barnett recently honored...
Korean War POW Norman Hale and his wife Winona / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - National POW/MIA Recognition Day was observed Friday morning at Cullman’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214. The day of recognition falls on the third Friday of September every year to honor missing service members and those who were held prisoner. The post was filled with children...
MONTGOMERY – Data available Thursday from the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) showed Cullman County’s preliminary August 2017 unemployment rate as 3.6 percent, a drop from 4.0 percent in July 2017 and 5.3 percent this same time last year. Only one county, Shelby, has a lower rate, at 3.2 percent.
A press release from ADOL said that according to data...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 14. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Burley, Desirae Nicole, 22
first-degree identity theft
illegal possession/use of a credit/debit card (old charge)
fourth-degree theft of property
Dauksza, Cheryl Lynette, 57
negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)
Dong, Khanh Dang, 47
failing to register a manufactured home (3 counts)
Gagne, Susan Scott, 60
attempting to elude
harassment
Graves,...
The Hanceville City Council, in a marathon session, approved the City’s 2018 budget Thursday evening. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - In a session that lasted more than three hours, the Hanceville City Council walked item-by-item through a 24-page proposal Thursday evening, before approving the city’s fiscal year 2018 budget.
The council anticipated that Hanceville will generate $3,773,609 in revenue during the...
Michael Vickers, center, the administrator for Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center, presents a check to Wallace State Future Foundation Board Member Donna Guthrie, left, and Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
HANCEVILLE - Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center continued its tradition of supporting Wallace State Community College by presenting a check to the Wallace State Future Foundation to be establish...
Adults and kids volunteered to work on the new playground. Volunteers and local contributions have reduced the cost of the project by an estimated 40 percent. / Photo courtesy www.beltheim.de
FRANKWEILER, Germany - Cullman’s sister city, Frankweiler, Germany is involved in the reconstruction of a community playground which, according to the city’s website, suffered from damaged equipment and fences, and...
CULLMAN - National POW/MIA Recognition Day will be observed on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017. Cullman's Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214 will host a ceremony at 10 a.m. at the VFW, along with Cullman's American Legion Post 4. Community members, veterans and their families and students are welcome to attend. The VFW is located at 112 Veterans Dr. SW...
CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Sept. 13. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Cummings, Shannon Michelle, 37
second-degree theft of property
Doss, Bethany Nicole, 30
unlawful possession of a controlled substance
Givens, Paul Michael
domestic violence- third-degree harassment
possession of drug paraphernalia
Hernandez, Luis Alejandro, 31
failure to appear- driving without a license
failure to appear- proof of liability insurance
Ortiz, Francisco Aviles,...
CULLMAN - Citizens Bank & Trust recently announced plans to open a full-service office in Cullman. The branch, located at 223 Second Ave. SE, will bring the total number of Citizens branches to eight. Currently in operation in downtown Cullman is the bank’s Loan Production Office (LPO) which will be relocating to the new facility this month. The bank...
HANCEVILLE - An endowed scholarship established in honor of a longtime North Alabama pastor will benefit students from Brewer High School in perpetuity. The Eldridge Criscoe Endowed Scholarship will be available to Wallace State Community College students who graduate from or attended Brewer High School.
The scholarship was funded by a donation from Johnny Albright, who attended one of the...
CULLMAN - It’s fair parade time again! The Cullman County Fair Parade is this Saturday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m.
This year’s parade will follow the usual route up Second Avenue Southwest / U.S. Highway 31 from First Baptist Church to Arnold Street Northwest, between McGriff Tire Pros and AutoZone. At the end, bands will turn right on Arnold to...
Artist's illustration of NASA's Cassini spacecraft at Saturn
This illustration shows NASA's Cassini spacecraft heading for the gap between Saturn and its rings during one of 22 such dives of the mission's finale. The spacecraft will make a final plunge into the planet's atmosphere on Sept. 15, 2017.
Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech
NASA's Cassini spacecraft is on final approach to Saturn, following confirmation by...
Banners (like the one pictured) honoring Good Hope veterans will be placed around the city during holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
GOOD HOPE - The City of Good Hope is joining a nationwide program to honor military service people and veterans with banners to be displayed around city during military holidays. The banners will feature a...
CULLMAN - Elected officials have recently appeared to be taking a concerned interest in the mental health crisis that has stricken Alabama. As suicides and crimes by mentally ill persons surge, State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview brought the state’s new mental health commissioner to Cullman to talk with mental health experts, law enforcement officers and judges. State Sen. Paul...
