Wallace State finishes runner-up at NJCAA Division II National Championship
SUMTER, S.C. — Wallace State's women's tennis team concluded its season Wednesday with a runner-up finish at the NJCAA Division II National Championship.
The Lady Lions finished second in the final team standings with 39 points, trailing only national champion Jones College with 48 points....
Obituary: Reginald “Reggie” Clay
Reginald "Reggie" Clay, 77, passed away leaving behind a life defined by hard work, dedication, and deep love for family. He was born February 7, 1949, to K.L. Clay and Mavis Smith Clay.
Funeral service will be Saturday, May 9th, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Cullman Funeral...
Obituary: Candace Mae Lovell
Funeral Service for Candace Mae Lovell, age 81 of Cullman, will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Jeff Lovell officiating; burial at Holly Pond Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. on...
Obituary: James Franklin Turner, Jr.
James Franklin Turner, Jr., 71, passed away on May 3, 2026, at UAB Hospital. He was born on January 3, 1955, in Kentucky to James Franklin Sr. and Vonda Lee Key Turner.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
James was a man...
Arrests and Incidents reported May 6, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported May 6, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
May 4
theft of property-4th degree; Dollar General; miscellaneous; 2nd...
Make sun protection a habit to help prevent skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to learn preventive skin care habits and screen for early detection.
More than 5 million cases...
Guided ghost tour through downtown Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Saturday evening, May 2, visitors gathered at Sipsey Winery for a guided ghost walk that combined local history and hands-on activities along Cullman’s historic downtown streets.
Lesley Ann Hyde, owner and founder of The Southern Ghost Girls Tours, led the event with team member and...
COLUMN: Poster board procrastination
It was usually about 8:45 on a rainy Sunday night when the drama began.
One of my boys would burst into the den, chest heaving like he had just run the final leg of an Olympic relay. His face looked like he had just seen a boa...
All Modes of Severe Weather Possible Today into Thursday
CLANTON – Wednesday, 6:00 am, May 6, 2026
It now appears that supercells will move into the western portions of the state this afternoon and form a broken to solid line by early evening somewhere near the I-20 corridor. Unfortunately, the line is forecast to...
PREP SOFTBALL: Good Hope falls 6-5 in area championship matchup with West Morgan
EAST LAWRENCE, Ala. - After falling to West Morgan to start out this year's Class 4A Area 13 tournament on Monday, Good Hope rolled past East Lawrence (Monday) and knocked off Danville (Tuesday) in their loser's bracket games to get another crack at the Lady...
53rd annual Arley Day Festival set for May 16
ARLEY, Ala. - The 53rd annual Arley Day Festival is set for Saturday, May 16, at D.H. Hamner Memorial Park. Hosted by the Arley Women’s Club, the festival will run from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. with free admission. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the...
Cullman marks Small Business Week with proclamation at city hall
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Monday, May 4, presented the City of Cullman’s Small Business Week proclamation in his office at Cullman City Hall, formally recognizing May 3–9, 2026, as Small Business Week in the city of Cullman.
Present for the proclamation...
Welti Elementary classes canceled Wednesday, Thursday after fire in K1 building
CULLMAN, Ala. - Classes at Welti Elementary School have been canceled for Wednesday, May 6, and Thursday, May 7, following a fire in the school’s K1 building Tuesday afternoon, according to Cullman County Schools.
When addressing the fire Tuesday afternoon, Cullman County Schools said all...
Severe threat increasing for portions of central Alabama
CLANTON, Ala. – Tuesday, 2 p.m., May 5, 2026
A cluster of storms will move across far northern Alabama tonight into early Wednesday morning. A couple of storms could produce wind gusts from 40-60 mph, mainly near and north of the Tennessee River from 12...
Obituary: Doreen Annette Waldrep
Doreen Annette Waldrep passed on May 1, 2026, at the age of 70. Born April 16, 1956, to Oxford O'Neal and Stella Marie Ray, she was a resident of Cullman, Alabama.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Oxford O'Neal and Stella Marie Ray;...
Obituary: James Charles Veach
James Charles “J.C.” Veach, 89, of Cullman, Alabama, formerly of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away on April 29, 2026.
J.C. was born on February 9, 1937, in Corbin, Kentucky. Over the years, he built a life centered around hard work, family, and the simple things he...
Obituary: James Dion Marrs
James (Jamey) Dion Marrs born September 15, 1966, went to be with the Lord on May 2, 2026.
He leaves behind a son Dion Marrs, his beloved Barbara (Barbie) Stanley, his mother Mona Harris, brother Don Marrs, sisters Nina (Dan) King, Wendy (Perry) Schaffer, and...
Arrests and incidents reported May 5, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported May 5, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
May 5
fraudulent use of credit/debit card; person; miscellaneous charges
theft...
Sasquatch 5K Mud Run this Saturday at Stony Lonesome
BREMEN, Ala. - The Sasquatch 5K Mud Run, formerly known as the Stony Lonesome 5K Mud Run, will take place this Saturday, May 9, at 8 a.m. at Stony Lonesome OHV Park. Cullman County Parks and Recreation Marketing Director Sara Morgan said the department has been hosting the Mud Run since 2015, and there is nothing else like it locally. “The Stony...
Kiah Lake awarded Tagged for Greatness Scholarship
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Kiah Lake was awarded the Tagged for Greatness Scholarship at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Banquet held Friday, May 1, in Montgomery. Kiah is the son of Heath and Mandi Lake of Arley.
Lake will graduate from Addison High School and plans to attend Auburn University...
Jackson Haynes awarded Tagged for Greatness Scholarship
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Jackson Haynes was awarded the Tagged for Greatness Scholarship at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Banquet held Friday, May 1, in Montgomery. Jackson is the son of Ben and Whitney Haynes of Cullman.
Haynes will graduate from Fairview High School and plans to attend Auburn University...
Annalee Allen awarded Tagged for Academic Excellence Scholarship
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Annalee Allen was awarded the Tagged for Academic Excellence Scholarship at the Alabama Cattlemen’s Foundation (ACF) Scholarship Banquet held Friday, May 1, in Montgomery. Annalee is the daughter of Kevin and Brandy Allen of Cullman.
A graduate of Cullman High School, Allen attends Auburn University and is...
PREP SOFTBALL: Hanceville tops Locust Fork 6-1 in area championship game, secures first ever area title in Lewis’ first season
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville Bulldogs hosted Locust Fork in the Class 3A, Area 12 title game on Monday night. In their prior matchup in the winner's bracket semifinals, the Bulldogs prevailed 2-0. With a stellar all around game from Isabella Spinks and a...
Local angler lands 72-pound catfish, celebrates love of fishing and family
CULLMAN, Ala. - What started as a calm day on the water turned into an unforgettable experience for local angler Savannah Woods, who recently reeled in a massive 72-pound catfish — a catch that’s quickly become the talk of the community.
Woods, an avid outdoorswoman,...
Arrests and Incidents reported May 4, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported May 4, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 30
assault; Beech Ave. SE
possession of controlled substances; CR 1564
menacing; harassment; Park Dr.
possession of marijuana;...
Obituary: Jimmy Freeman
Funeral Service for Jimmy R Freeman, age 79 of Cullman, will be at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Chris Godfrey and Greg Leipert officiating; burial at Antioch Baptist Cemetery- Fairview. Visitation will be from 6 p.m....
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Lightning’ by Dean Koontz
My husband was the first to recommend this book to me. It was spoken highly of to him by his godfather and his copy was passed on to my husband. They both read it fairly quickly and explained that the book kept them captivated.
The way my...
CATA holds inaugural Career Fair
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) held its innaugural Career Fair on April 30, inviting students, employers and community members to learn about different career options.
Jeff Johnson, assistant principal and work-based learning coordinator at CATA, explained that the event aimed to connect students with potential employers from many fields.
“We wanted...
Wallace State Future Foundation Scholarship Brunch celebrates more than 350 students
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Wallace State Community College Future Foundation recently hosted its 14th annual Scholarship Celebration Brunch, recognizing the generosity of its donors and celebrating the achievement of Wallace State’s students. The event included the announcement of more than $500,000 in scholarships for the 2026–2027...
TRACK & FIELD: Cold Springs’ girls repeat as state champions, local stars shine at state meets
CULLMAN, Ala. - The 2026 AHSAA Outdoor Track and Field State Championship meets in Cullman (1A-3A) and Gulf Shores (4A-7A) took place over the weekend. The Cold Springs girls team ran away with the 2A girls state championship in Cullman behind standout performances from...
Harmony students celebrate America 250
LOGAN, Ala. - Harmony School held a program Thursday, April 30, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. Students, faculty, staff, families and community members gathered for an evening of charming performances.
Event organizer Heather Lynn said the program was meant to showcase what students learned and to create a special experience for everyone.
“Tonight we celebrated a year of history,” Lynn said....
FAWN returns next week for Cullman 6th graders
CULLMAN, Ala. - Sixth-grade students across Cullman will have the chance to step outside the classroom and interact with nature during the upcoming FAWN program, set for May 6-7 and May 14 at Sportsman Lake Park.
Hosted by the Cullman County Natural Resources Planning Committee, Forestry...
PREP SOCCER: Both Bearcat varsity squads fall just short of the Final Four in scrappy pair of matches
CULLMAN, Ala. - A row of pickup trucks, all packed with students, lined the east fence of the Cullman Soccer Complex on Saturday night. With both Bearcat squads on the verge of the Final Four, the students brought a little extra energy. The music,...
COLUMN: Marbella by morning
I know the song says, “Amarillo by morning, up from San Antone,” but on our tour across the South of Spain, I found myself singing “Marbella by morning, up from Fuengirola.”
It was a Friday morning, to be exact, when we boarded the big red...
Files from Yesteryear: May 2, 1963
From the files of May 2, 1963
HANCEVILLE NEWS
KATHLEEN MALLORY CIRCLE
The Kathleen Mallory Circle met in the home of Mrs. J. J. Dunlap on Monday, April 22. Mrs. Lora Perry, the chairman, was in charge of the meeting. Mrs. Bernice Hines led the opening prayer...
Obituary: Gregory Julian Swann
Gregory “Greg” Julian Swann, 71, of Vinemont, Alabama, passed away on April 30, 2026. Born on July 29, 1954, in Cullman, Greg was devoted to his family and always willing to help others. He was a 1972 graduate of Cold Springs High School.
Greg was...
‘Lions caring for Lions’: CDC students host food drive for WSCC Lions’ Kitchen
CULLMAN, Ala. - Students from the Cullman County Child Development Center teamed up with Wallace State Community College to organize a food drive for the college’s on-campus pantry, the Lions’ Kitchen. The project gave CDC students a chance to serve their community in a hands-on way.
Summer Walker, peer helper...
Clothed in Cullman: ‘Together, we are changing lives’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Curt’s Closet hosted its annual Clothed in Cullman event at Cotton Creek Warehouse on Thursday night.
Executive Director and Founder Ashley Wilson said the event was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together with compassion, generosity and their hearts.
“From the sponsors and donors to every...
Good Hope council proclaims Child Abuse Awareness Month, receives $1M in funding for sewer upgrades
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - The Good Hope City Council on Monday, April 27, heard from local advocates and state leaders who spoke about child welfare issues and funding for city infrastructure.
Alyson Miley, representing Cullman Caring for Kids and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), shared details about services for vulnerable children and families, explaining that...
PREP SOFTBALL: Butler fans 13, scores two to push Hanceville over Locust Fork in 2-0 area semifinal win
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville Lady Bulldogs, host of the Class 3A, Area 12 softball tournament, took on Locust Fork after taking down J.B. Pennington 8-3 earlier on Friday. Hanceville struck early, and held on to their lead with stellar defense to advance to...
Arrests and Incidents reported May 1, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported May 1, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
April 26
theft of property-4th degree; Wal-Mart; general merchandise; $35;...
New partnership to add advanced cardiovascular care at Cullman Regional
CULLMAN, Ala. - Baptist Health’s Cardiovascular Associates, Cullman Regional and Cullman Regional Medical Group have partnered to expand advanced cardiology care in Cullman.
Well known for providing high-quality cardiovascular services in north Alabama, Cardiovascular Associates (CVA) providers moved their Cullman practice to the new Heart...
Tree Commission approves tree purchase, highlights Arbor Day success
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Tree Commission met April 21 at Cullman City Hall. City Arborist Shane Bivins reported business as usual and responded to several inquiries about tree clearing and other work currently taking place at city parks.
The only new business on the...
Community College Month spotlight: Finding a future in welding at Wallace State
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - When Robert Henry Cook III began searching for the right place to launch his career, Wallace State Community College stood out for one clear reason: its reputation for excellence in welding.
“I chose Wallace State because it has great welding program,” Cook said. It...
Wallace State Nursing hosts Innovations in Simulations workshop
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - More than 100 educators and healthcare professionals gathered at Wallace State Community College last week for the Department of Nursing Education’s annual workshop, which this year focused on artificial intelligence in simulation-based learning.
The workshop, Innovations in Healthcare Simulations, provided attendees with opportunities to...
PREP BASEBALL: Addison collects second round sweep of South Lamar to move on to 1A quarterfinals
SOUTH LAMAR, Ala. - After sweeping Hackleburg to start out their 2026 postseason, the Addison Bulldogs made the trip over to South Lamar to take on the Stallions in the second round of the Class 1A state baseball playoffs. It was close in game...
PREP SOCCER: Saturday night Elite Eight matchups set for both Cullman soccer clubs
CULLMAN, Ala. - After Cullman's boys took a 1-0 shootout victory over Randolph and the girls defeated Decatur 2-1 last night, the stage is set for both teams to host Elite Eight matchups on Saturday night at Cullman High School.
GIRLS ELITE EIGHT: Athens...
Colton Lindsey wins Outstanding Management Student Award at Troy
TROY, Ala. - Colton Lindsey of Cullman was among the students recognized for outstanding achievements in academics, leadership and service during Troy University's Sorrell College of Business Honors Convocation.
Lindsey received the Outstanding Management Student Award.
The Honors Convocation was held on Wednesday, April 15, at...
U.S. 31 improvements at Lacon to detour traffic to I-65 beginning May 4
An upcoming project to improve U.S. Highway 31 at Lacon in Morgan County will divert traffic to I-65.
The $1.9 million project includes safety widening, concrete slab repairs and replacements, and paving an asphalt overlay. The project extends from the Cullman County line to Lacon...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 30, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 30, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 27
possession of dangerous drugs; CR 1435
possession of controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia; Hwy....
‘What does America mean to me?’
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Elementary and Hanceville Middle School on Wednesday, April 29, hosted a special event commemorating America’s Semiquincentennial – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The theme was “What does America mean to me?”
The program, held in the high school gymnasium, featured special guest...
The Aspen Institute names Wallace State semifinalist for $1M Aspen Prize
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Aspen Institute on Wednesday, April 29, named Wallace State Community College one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Rooted in deep research and backed by $1 million in award money, the Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition...
Pet of the Week: Biscuit-making Coal-Man
CULLMAN, Ala. – Coal-Man, an approximately 2-year-old domestic short hair, is The Cullman Tribune’s Pet of the Week.
Coal-Man is a gentle, quiet fellow with a soft personality and curious spirit. Some of his favorite things include making biscuits, playing with his toys and exploring the cat tower.
Though he can be shy...
Fairview Robotics teams place in MATE ROV Competition
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Fairview High School Robotics competed for the second consecutive year in the Northern Gulf Coast Regional MATE ROV Competition. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Discovery Hall Programs hosted the 13th annual Northern Gulf Coast Regional MATE ROV Competition April 24-26. All three teams from Fairview placed in the competition.
Eighteen teams...
2 Hanceville women sentenced to multiple years in prison in separate cases
CULLMAN, Ala. – Two Hanceville women were sentenced Wednesday in Cullman County Circuit Court, including one woman sentenced to 20 years in prison in chemical endangerment cases and another sentenced to 42 years in connection with a 2022 armed robbery.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ...
PREP SOFTBALL: Brackets and schedule for this weekend’s area tournament matchups
CULLMAN, Ala. - With baseball well into the playoffs, softball joins them this weekend, kicking off the postseason with area tournaments. Meek (21-9), Hanceville (16-16) and Cullman (39-11) are all set to host. All area matchups as well as dates and times can be...
Chaviers, Ellard named Wallace State’s Student, Teacher of the Year
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College recently announced Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year awards, presented Thursday, April 24, during the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s State of Education breakfast.
Student of the Year – Jacob Chaviers
Sophomore Jacob Chaviers of Altoona...
Trett Hardman named Fairview High School principal
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette is recommending Trett Hardman as the next principal of Fairview High School. A Fairview native and graduate, Hardman currently serves as principal of the Cullman County Child Development Center. Hardman will replace outgoing Principal...
Alabama Strawberry Festival draws estimated 70K
CULLMAN, Ala. - Rain concerns and an uncertain forecast did little to slow the Alabama Strawberry Festival, as large crowds filled downtown Cullman Friday and Saturday, April 24-25, for what organizers described as one of the event’s strongest weekends yet.
Festival Director Daniel Wyatt said...
Obituary: Ruth Keese Tuck
Ruth Keese Tuck, 85, of Cullman passed away April 28, 2026 at her home. Born at her family home on Indian Creek in the Simcoe community, May 14th, 1940, Ruth’s roots ran deep in the land she loved. She passed away within five miles...
Obituary: Mildred Urilla Posey
Mildred Urilla Posey, 97, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on April 27, 2026. Born September 30, 1928, Mildred’s long life was marked by steady devotion to those she loved and a quiet strength that shaped the family around her.
Mildred was preceded in death by...
Obituary: Jannette Lynn Leverett
Jannette Lynn (Leverett) Legue, 79, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, in Huntsville, AL. No services will be held.
Born on January 7, 1947, in Leamington Ontario Canada, and known as “Joe” to family and friends. She lived a life of kindness and generosity...
Obituary: Terry Dewayne Campbell
Memorial service for Terry Dewayne Campbell, 61, of Arley will be at 3 p.m., Sunday, May 3rd, 2025, at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service.
Cullman Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.
Terry passed...
WSCC: More than 150 inducted into National Society of Leadership and Success
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - More than 150 Wallace State Community College students were inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) during the 2025–2026 academic year, marking a milestone in their leadership and personal development journeys.
“Each student member here has gained meaningful leadership insight and...
Pilot Club holds annual fashion show
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Pilot Club of Cullman held its annual fashion show and luncheon last week, raising money for several local organizations.
Pilot Club President Brenda Allison said one of the best parts of the day was seeing people come in and reunite with friends they might only see once a year...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 29, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 29, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
Incidents
April 27
harassment; person
April 28
unlawful breaking and entering motor vehicle;...
Captivate Learning Center gearing up for Summer Experience
CULLMAN, Ala. - A local alternative education program aims to combine academics with life skills and give families more time together.
Lauren Rainwater, who founded and owns Captivate Learning Center, said the program offers a different approach than traditional schools by using a part-time schedule and hands-on learning. Captivate runs...
Cullman teams make pulling a tractor look easy
CULLMAN, Ala. – On Saturday, April 25 at the Alabama Strawberry Festival, local titans united in a contest of strength, pulling a colossal John Deere tractor in support of The Willow Path, Cullman County’s domestic violence resource center.
The annual Pulling for Survivors pull event serves to raise funds for The Willow Path, which provides a wide range of...
PREP FOOTBALL: Fairview’s Zayden Cruce signs scholarship offer to attend Huntingdon College
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - At Fairview High School this morning, Zayden Cruce signed his scholarship offer to play football at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.
After a breakout junior season in 2024, a leg injury threatened not only his senior season but his career. Cruce fought...
Arley man dies after Cullman County wreck
CULLMAN, Ala. – An Arley man died following a two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 5:20 p.m. Thursday, April 23. Alabama State Troopers identified the victim as Arlen L. Langley, 86.
Troopers said Langley was critically injured when the 2010 Chrysler 300 Touring he was...
State of Education: Students, teachers honored
CULLMAN, Ala. – Multiple students and educators were honored at the 2026 State of Education Breakfast community breakfast hosted by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce on Friday, April 24.
“We were honored to host our recent State of Education Community Breakfast, bringing together educators,...
Severe Weather Threat Update
CLANTON – Tuesday, 1:00 pm, April 28, 2026
Storms near and south of I-20 will continue to redevelop this afternoon with very heavy rainfall, a few wind gusts from 40-60 mph, and hail up to quarter size being the main threats.
A Mesoscale Convective System (MCS)...
Obituary: Sammie Audrey Jones
Sammie Audrey Jones, age 72, passed away on April 24, 2026. Born on February 7, 1954, in Cullman, Alabama, Sammie lived in Hanceville, Alabama.
Sammie served in the Navy as well as a carpenter, bringing steady hands and a practical dedication to the work entrusted...
Obituary: Allyson Helton Yoder
Funeral service for Mrs. Allyson Helton Yoder of Cullman, is Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 1 p.m. at West Point Baptist Church, with Rev. Samuel Tucker officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the church from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m....
Obituary: Roger Dale Holmes
Roger Dale Holmes, age 74 of Hanceville, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his residence. He was born, December 23, 1951 to Porter Holmes and Virginia Lucille Holmes.Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.He was preceded in death by...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 28, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 28, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
No arrests or incidents reported.
Cullman Police Department
No incidents reported.
Arrests
April 27
Boone, John T.; 41
FTA – criminal...
Severe Weather Threat Into Wednesday
CLANTON – Tuesday, 6:30 am, April 28, 2026
There are two separate threats of severe weather today into early Wednesday. The first is due to the current thunderstorm activity near and north of I-20 as of 530 am. These storms will produce a boundary somewhere...
Hanceville students to host America’s 250th celebration Wednesday
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Hanceville students will mark America’s 250th birthday Wednesday with a community celebration centered on patriotism, student performances and recognition of veterans and active military members.
The America’s Semiquincentennial Celebration is scheduled for 9-10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, in the Hanceville High School gym.
The event is being...
PREP SOCCER: Cullman boys hold off Randolph in penalty kick shootout, win 3-2 to move on to third round of state playoffs
CULLMAN, Ala. - After knocking off Ft. Payne at home to start out the Class 6A 2026 state soccer playoffs, the Cullman Bearcats looked to carry that momentum into their second-round game at home against Randolph. Neither team was able to hit a goal...
Fairview High Principal Dr. Brad Stapler leaving at end of school year
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Fairview High School Principal Dr. Brad Stapler will be leaving Fairview at the end of the school year to pursue a new opportunity with Guntersville City Schools.
"We are excited for Dr. Stapler’s new opportunity and wish him the best," said Cullman...
TRACK & FIELD: Several local stars qualify for State Championships with sectional performances
CULLMAN, Ala. - Track and field sectionals took place this past weekend across the state, and stars from around Cullman County and beyond earned trips to the 2026 AHSAA State Championships in Cullman (1A-3A) and Gulf Shores (4A-7A). While not all qualifiers are named,...
Unsettled Pattern with Periods of Storms this Week
CLANTON – Monday, 2:30 pm, April 27, 2026 An area of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will move into the far northern portions of the state around 12 am tonight and continue southward into Tuesday morning, weakening once reaching I-20. A few wind gusts from 40-60...
Obituary: Kenneth Lavon Willoughby
Kenneth Lavon Willoughby, 61, of Crane Hill, Alabama, passed away on April 25, 2026. Born August 28, 1964, in Alabama, Kenneth was a beloved presence to those who knew him—remembered with deep respect for the warmth he brought to everyday moments, the generosity he...
Obituary: Shelby Ann Barker
Funeral service for Shelby Ann Barker, 65, will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Fairview West Cemetery, Rev. Steve Rodgers officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12-2 p.m.
Cullman Funeral...
Arrests and Incidents reported April 27, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported April 27, 2026. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.
GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office
Incidents
April 23
domestic violence; CR 1282
reckless endangerment; Hwy. 91
domestic violence; CR 64
harassment; CR 578
harassment; Hwy. 91
April...
PREP BASEBALL: Addison’s Kiah Lake signs scholarship to play at Bevill State
ADDISON, Ala. - Addison senior Kiah Lake signed a scholarship with Bevill State in front of a large group of family and friends at Addison High School. Kiah will play baseball for the Bears whom seem to grab a Bulldog every year.
"I am just grateful...
Obituary: Jerry Marlin Cornelius
Memorial Service for Mr. Jerry Marlin Cornelius, age 84, of Addison, is Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home, with Bro. Tim Lipsey and Bro. Patrick Cleghorn officiating.Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.Jerry was born...
Obituary: Mary Anita Fleischamel
Funeral service for Mary Anita Fleischamel, 78, of Arab will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 29th, 2026, at Cullman Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Bethsadia Cemetery, Rev. Kevin Jenkins officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 p.m....
From drafting tables to global missions: The journey of Shawn Doss
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - For Hanceville native Shawn Doss, the path from a college drafting lab to mission fields across the globe was anything but expected — but it has always been guided by purpose.
Doss attended Wallace State Community College from 1991 to 1993, earning an associate degree in...
Unsettled Pattern with Periods of Storms this Week
CLANTON – Monday, 6:00 am, April 27, 2026
An area of thunderstorms with heavy rainfall will move into the far northern portions of the state around 12 am tonight and continue southward into Tuesday morning, weakening once reaching I-20. A few wind gusts from 40-60...
Remembering Johnny ‘The Flash’ Thornton
CULLMAN, Ala. – Long before Johnny Thornton became known across Cullman County as “The Flash,” he was a Good Hope Raider with a love for the game, a mind built for remembering details and a voice that would one day become part of the...
Former Cullman star accepts invite to Indianapolis Colts Rookie Minicamp
CULLMAN, Ala. - After going undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, former Cullman Bearcats tight end Kaleb Heatherly accepted an invite to participate in the Indianapolis Colts' Rookie Minicamp on May 8-9.
"The Colts had shown a lot of interest in me since I...
Free Touch A Truck event returns May 2 with giveaways supporting Community Cupboard
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Electric Cooperative will host its annual Touch A Truck event on Saturday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Cullman County Fairgrounds. Admission is free, and this year’s event will combine family fun with an opportunity to give back.
Guests are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items or hygiene products to support Cullman Electric Cooperative’s Community Cupboard. Each item donated earns one entry into a giveaway featuring prizes such...
Op-Ed: Alabama’s outdoors key to our state’s economic growth – Innovate Alabama is a key partner in that growth
From the mountains of the Tennessee Valley to the shores of the Gulf Coast, and everything in-between, our state is second to none in the country when it comes to beautiful outdoors and recreation.
Whether it’s camping and hiking across Alabama’s state parks, fishing our streams, rivers,...
Heavy Rainfall With Some Possible Severe Weather This Week
CLANTON – Sunday, 7:00 am, April 26, 2026
As of 630 am, a cluster of thunderstorms in central MS is moving southeastward and may produce wind gusts from 40-50 mph in far southwestern AL between 8 am and 12 pm.
An area of thunderstorms with heavy...
PREP BASEBALL: Inman’s grand slam finishes off Southside, Bearcats win 11-0 to move on to round two
CULLMAN, Ala. - After a blowout game one win over Southside followed by a stunning loss in game two, Cullman hosted the Panthers for a series-deciding third game on Saturday afternoon. Like the first game, the Bearcats struck quickly and built a lead. In...
COLUMN: ‘This Little Line of Mine’
I am a writer. I write articles, books and songs. While I have won a few awards for some of my newspaper and magazine articles, I have never written a best-selling book or song. I have written hundreds of songs, recorded a few off...
Files from Yesteryear: April 25, 1940
From the files of April 25, 1940
Joppa News
The order of the day around Joppa this week has been land preparation and planting. Mr. Waylon Ogletree reports that he has some 40 acres of ground prepared and ready to plant. Mr. Ogletree also said that...
Obituary: Jackie Wayne Needham
Jackie Wayne Needham, of Blountsville, Alabama, passed away on April 23, 2026, at the age of 70. Mr. Needham was born in Cullman County, Alabama, on January 10, 1956, to the late Elbert Leon and Mildred Irene Stancil Needham.
Mr. Needham is preceded in death...
Obituary: Robert “Bob” Chaney
Mr. Robert Leon “Bob” Chaney, age 79, of Cullman passed away on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at Cullman Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. A memorial service will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at...















































































































