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Holly Pond Town Council awards camera bid, discusses park updates
HOLLY POND, Ala. - The Holly Pond Town Council on Monday, June 1, awarded a bid for cameras and discussed park updates.
At last month’s meeting, the council discussed the installation of approximately 45...
Berlin Farmers Market opening for season June 6
BERLIN, Ala. - The Berlin Farmers Market will officially open for the season this Saturday, June 6. It will be open 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
The town is encouraging families to come...
Op-Ed: The importance of art
During my sophomore, junior and senior years in high school I painted props in advanced theater. I tried to place the color yellow into every piece...
Cullman City Council approves tax abatement for ‘Project Panel’
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City Council at its meeting on Tuesday, May 26, passed a resolution to approve an economic development tax abatement...
Op-Ed: What’s your favorite 80s rom-com?
Romantic comedies in the 2020s don’t feel like the ones from the 1980s. I made it my mission to stop procrastinating and watch some highly recommended films. These two are my...
Small Business Spotlight: Gamer Geeks
This feature originally ran in our Community Matters magazine in April.
Gamer Geeks has become a local hotspot for tournaments and gatherings for all ages since it...
Op-Ed: Be weather ready!
Many have experienced storm anxiety since the tornado outbreak of 2011. The panic can set in quickly – when the out-of-nowhere summer rain shower blocks your...
Local Eats: K’s Botanas & More
This feature originally ran in our Community Matters magazine in April.
Located at 1410 Second Ave. NW, in Cullman is K’s Botanas & More. Owner Karen Silva said the restaurant thrives on unwavering faith, loving...
Day in the Life: Unsheltered International
This feature originally ran in our Community Matters magazine in April.
Unsheltered International is a nonprofit organization that offers help and hope to the unsheltered...
Smith Lake Park holds annual Memorial Day Festival
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Smith Lake Park Memorial Day Festival took place Saturday, May 23, drawing people from across Cullman County, the state and beyond, all gathered for a day of fun in...
North Alabama Agriplex has classes for all ages
CULLMAN, Ala. - Located at 1714 Tally Ho St. SW in Cullman is the North Alabama Agriplex,
home to many who are passionate about educating the community on sustainability, agricultural heritage and more.
In May, the Agriplex held its...
NWS Huntsville confirms EF-1 tornado impacted Holly Pond, Baileyton May 22
HOLLY POND, Ala. - The National Weather Service Huntsville confirmed a EF-1 tornado impacted the Holly Pond and Baileyton area on Friday, May 22,...
City of Cullman Zoning Board to revisit Brock Trace at next meeting
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman Zoning Board of Adjustments met Tuesday, May 19, at Technology Village at 105 Clark St. NE. The meeting was called to order by Zach Lee at...
Berlin council addresses road projects and more
BERLIN, Ala. - The Berlin Town Council at its Monday, May 18 meeting addressed road projects and more. The council said paving of Mt. Carmel...
Cullman City Council seeks grant to create road safety plan
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City Council at a special-called meeting on Monday, May 18, voted to seek a grant through the U.S. Department...
A sanctuary: Sportsworld Skate Center
VINEMONT, Ala. - The Gentrys’ story starts before the skating, neon lights, birthday parties and concession stand shenanigans at Sportsworld Skate Center.
The story began 27 years ago when Shae and Valerie shared a phone...
Op-Ed: Local community assistance and volunteer opportunities
Have you ever wondered what volunteer opportunities are available for you to assist the Cullman community? Doing your part has never been so easy! Here is...
Hanceville council talks parks, new generator, rezoning, more
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville City Council at its Thursday, May 14, spoke about park improvements, a new generator, rezoning and more.
The Council discussed a $310,000 bid for fencing adjustment options at C.W. Day Park. The work would replace rusted fencing around the park,...
Op-Ed: Turn the page
Reading is whatever you would like for it to be. It can mean a long awaited vacation at your fingertips. Perhaps it is a magical garden, a cold...
Colony council talks clean-up efforts
COLONY, Ala. – The Colony Town Council at its Tuesday, May 12, meeting discussed town clean-up efforts and the purchase of a new hitch trimmer mower attachment.
Councilwoman Mary Parker...
Cullman council approves Christina Chambers Twilight 5K Run event
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City Council at its Monday, May 11, meeting approved several special event requests, including the Christina Chambers Twilight 5K...
City of Cullman Planning Commission notes: May 5, 2026
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman Planning Commission was called to order by Commissioner Michael Sullins at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, in the Cullman City Hall auditorium. Members approved the minutes of...
Holly Pond council announces park upgrades; Pops in the Park set for May 9
HOLLY POND, Ala. - The Holly Pond Town Council at its meeting on Monday, May 4, announced park upgrades and discussed the upcoming Pops in the Park...
Scales, tails, feathers, fur and all!
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Critter Crew delivers hands-on natural science education throughout north Alabama, partnering with schools, homeschool groups and community events. Through interactive STEAM programs,...
Cullman County Schools holds Military Signing Day
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools on Tuesday, May 5, held its 2026 Military Signing Day at the Cullman County Board of Education office,...
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...
‘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...
Hanceville proclaims April Child Abuse Prevention Month
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - The Hanceville City Council, during the public comments portion of its April 23 meeting, heard from Cullman Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Alyson Stewart on the subject of child abuse.
“It’s become a...
Zoning board approves Auto Zone expansion
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman Zoning Board of Adjustments & Appeals at its April 21 meeting approved an expansion for Auto Zone.
Auto Zone, located at 210 Second Ave. NW, will expand from 9,000 square...
Berlin council talks farmers market, park
BERLIN, Ala. - The Berlin Town Council at its meeting Monday, April 20, announced a ribbon cutting for the Berlin Farmers Market will take place Friday, May 8, at...
Planning Commission calls for Comprehensive Plan update from city
CULLMAN, Ala. – At the City of Cullman Planning Commission’s April meeting, Commissioner Michael Sullins announced the Commission would be requesting an updated Comprehensive Plan from the Cullman City Council.
“It is recommended by the code of...
Cullman County PALS calls for volunteers, urges residents to stop littering
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County People Against a Littered State (PALS) is in need of volunteers to assist in cleaning local roadways. The organization's president, Cherrie Haney, said cleanup can take anywhere from...
Katie B. Kirkwood Architectural and Interior Design opens in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. – The ribbon was officially cut on Katie B. Kirkwood Architectural and Interior Design, a residential design studio in downtown Cullman, on Friday, April 10.
Said the Cullman...
Op-Ed: Judge the book by its cover
In recent years, the Corporate Memphis style has been widely used for advertising. This form of art is known for its “low-effort” presentation. It is highly popular...
Wallace State hosts Jill of All Trades event
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Wallace State Community College hosted the first-ever Jill of All Trades event in Alabama on Friday, April 10. Hosted across the campus, the one-day...
Hanceville Council talks online youth sports registration
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – The Hanceville City Council at is April 9 meeting addressed online registration for youth parks and recreation league sports.
Council members voted to use Jarvis Recreation Management registration management software as...
Holly Pond distributes funds to area schools
HOLLY POND, Ala. – The Holly Pond Town Council at its April 6 meeting distributed funds to local schools and held a public hearing about vacating roads.
With...
Cullman City Planning Commission notes: April 7
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman Planning Commission met at the city hall auditorium on April 7.
The commission held a public hearing regarding two subdivisions in progress. First on...
Hoop Shoot champs recognized at Cullman City Council meeting
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman City Council at its Monday, April 6, meeting took a few moments to recognize winners of the local Elks Club 2026 Hoop Shoot.
Winners included Alex Wood...
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke
As spring heats up and gives way to summer, it’s important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat usually peaks between noon-3 p.m. so it's best...
Local Musician Spotlight: Case Graham
CULLMAN, Ala. - Case Graham is a local musician with an excellent reputation for his guitar skills. His style is a combination of rock and metal mixed with groove funk, layered with heavy jazz...
Alabama Audubon free bird-watching events
Alabama Audubon has several bird-watching events scheduled for 2026. Two free events will take place Saturday, April 11.
Birding at Vulcan Trail
The 2.2-mile Vulcan Trail is located at 1701 Valley View Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209. It passes by the Vulcan statue...
Budget-friendly spring family activities
What better way to spend spring days than to have quality time with your spouse or partner and your littles? The days grow longer and energize us as...
Monitor air quality with AirScope app
There is a free mobile app called AirScope that is available on IOS and Android. The app provides the user with insight on pollen levels and air quality....
Op-Ed: Letter to new moms
One of the most complex things you can do for yourself when becoming a parent is allow yourself to grieve who you were. This...
Spring thrift display ideas
Spring is here, and with the warm weather and spring blooms comes the urge to redecorate! Before you take everything from last season to the...
Berlin Farmers Market readying for season
BERLIN, Ala. - The Town of Berlin held a growers meeting recently to discuss the upcoming 2026 season. The market will open Saturday, June 6, and be open from...
Berlin council talks early Christmas surprise
BERLIN, Ala. - Due to weather conditions on March 16, the Berlin Town Council rescheduled its monthly meeting to March 23. There were no public comments at this...
BOOK REVIEW: ‘Restaurant Ridiculous’
Howard Cannon, a restaurant expert witness and forensic scientist, last year released his book “Restaurant Ridiculous: Dram Shop & Alcohol Liability Personal Injury Lawsuits.” It advises the reader of...
Master Gardeners hold annual sale; Spring Plant Sale coming April 17-18
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Master Gardeners have been carefully preparing plants to sell for spring! On Saturday, March 21, the group held its annual Native Azalea...
Local professional networking opportunities; 2 happening tomorrow!
CULLMAN, Ala. – Whether you’re a current business owner, looking to launch a start-up, a professional of any age or simply want to learn...
Choosing the right baby carrier
The first baby carrier I purchased was a likely 10-foot long heap of fabric. It was portrayed in every ad I’d seen to be “the best,” and I believed it. That...
Faith: Jackson’s wish
Along Interstate 65 in Evergreen, Alabama, you will notice a 120-foot-tall cross. All crosses have a story and all long to be heard. There are likely many you see...
Cullman County Schools holds career fair
CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman County Schools held a career fair on March 19 at Desperation Church. The event gave residents a chance to browse employment opportunities and meet with employees within...
Wallace State introduces Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant Program
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College has introduced a Speech-Language Pathologist Assistant Program. WSCC Program Director, Diagnostic Imaging / Assistant Dean of Health Science Dr. Jim Malone spoke briefly at an...
TheraPlay hosting sensory friendly Easter event April 8
CULLMAN, Ala. – Easter Sunday is approaching! We are less than a month away from all the family fun and festivities. As you plan for...
Spirit Life Church collecting toy cars and trucks
CULLMAN, Ala. – As we clean out garages and gather up old clothes and forgotten toys to donate during the process of spring cleaning, keep in mind...
Op-Ed: Read, no matter what!
In honor of “Read Across America,” I would like to share my two cents on what it means to be a “reader.”
I didn’t always love to read....
Upcoming lunar events
Pink Moon - April 1, 2026
The Lenten Moon, Paschal Full Moon or the last Full Moon of winter. It has many names, but “pink” is not...
Milkweed, Monarchs and more
Milkweed may have “weed” in the name, but it is an essential native wildflower. It can commonly be mistaken for a weed because it grows among them along roads, in pastures...
Cullman council discusses tourism, infrastructure updates, a major award, hemp regulations
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman City Council at its Monday, March 9, meeting discussed tourism activities, infrastructure updates, a major award and hemp regulations....
Colony council talks website, thanks clean-up volunteers
COLONY, Ala. – The Colony Town Council gathered for its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 10, where Mayor Jasmine Cole announced that there is a website in...
CRG on protecting children from online predators
GARDENDALE, Ala. – Josh Moody is the chief executive officer of Covenant Rescue Group. It is a nonprofit based out of Gardendale that fights...
Small Business Spotlight: Big Boom Coffee Company
DODGE CITY, Ala. – Cathie Hodges recently opened her coffee shop, Big Boom Coffee Company. The soft opening was March 4, and it will...
Holly Pond council discusses Governor’s Park upgrades, town events
HOLLY POND, Ala. – The Holly Pond Town Council at its meeting Monday, March 2, addressed upgrades at Governor’s Park, upcoming events and more....
Upcoming Cullman County Public Library book club meetings
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Public Library System will have three book club meeting this month.
After Hours Book Club: March 6, 5:30 p.m.
The...
Booth inventory ideas
As we enter spring and summer we prepare for the many festivals. The highlight of these events, among games and food, are the booths!...
Signs of spring
In Alabama, spring can feel like a year-round delicacy since the state is known for its warmer climate. December through February are colder, though...
City of Hanceville launching new website, approves Sunday alcohol sales
HANCEVILLE. Ala. – The Hanceville City Council at its last meeting announced a new city website will launch soon.
The key takeaways of the new...
Cullman beauty and where to find it: Southern Accents Architectural Antiques
Tucked away on 308 Second Ave. SE is a trove of unique, timeless pieces. When you first walk in you are greeted with a...
Small Business Spotlight: Susie on the Farm
DODGE CITY, Ala. - In 2021 Susan Sandlin, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, found that she had more time for her crafting hobby. She spent...
Furrever friends: Ani and Chewie’s story
In April 2024, my husband and I discovered a dog sleeping under a tree at the end of our dirt road. There was a...
Introduction to the gym
Do you want to go to the gym, but don't know where to start? You're in the right place! The gym is intimidating initially,...
Redstone celebrates 75 years with ‘Acts of Brightness’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Redstone Federal Credit Union is not only celebrating its 75th anniversary, but recently opened its newest branch at 1202 Second Ave....
Empty Bowls feeds multitude
CULLMAN, Ala. - First United Methodist Church hosted the 21st annual Empty Bowls of Cullman County Chili Dinner Monday, Feb. 16. The crowd enjoyed...
Berlin council discusses bids, farmers market and more
BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council at its meeting on Monday, Feb. 16, discussed bids, the Berlin Farmers Market and more.
The meeting began...
Op-Ed: To those who are anxious to speak
I used to be so scared to talk to people that I would have to avoid eye contact. If I were in a situation...
Op-Ed: Sonder
Sonder, defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, is “the awareness that other people all have their own complex set of feelings and experiences.”
As a child...
Lunch & Learn: Images and copyright
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center recently hosted a Lunch & Learn with guest speaker Toni Carter, library...
Doggo love on tap: Pints & Paws pours out hearts for rescue dogs
CULLMAN, Ala. – Ethos Craft Brewing hosted a “Pints & Paws” adoption event on Valentine’s Day. The occasion featured live music from Ex-Quartermasters and...
The Blooming Barista: More than traditional coffee
CULLMAN, Ala. - Emma Thompson is a Cullman native who currently attends Wallace State Community College. Unlike most 20-year-olds, she has her own business....
Small Business Spotlight: Daesy Chains
CULLMAN, Ala. - Daesy Chains is a local jewelry and craft business owned by Dae Scott. Her inventory features handcrafted, whimsical jewelry, crochet and...
Nature’s beauty and where to find it: Hurricane Creek Park
Hurricane Creek Park is widely known for its rock formations and waterfalls. It is roughly 70 acres of peace and tranquility – a perfect...
Get to know: Melissa Dew (Flourish of Cullman)
There is a sense of pride when we gather and support local nonprofits. Knowing people can be so selfless as to devote their lives...
WWII veteran celebrates 100th birthday
BREMEN, Ala. – On Feb. 8, 2026, World War II veteran Leldon P. Stricklin celebrated his 100th birthday at the Bremen Volunteer Fire Department,...
Intro to spring cleaning
Before we know it, spring will be upon us. As the seasons change, our preferences also change. Spring is often associated with rebirth and...
Op-Ed: The parenting books didn’t tell me this
What bothered me most of all going into parenthood was that I knew there were things I would have to learn on the spot....
Op-Ed: Valentine’s Day and love languages
Valentine’s Day is a day to convey love and admiration. Though at any store you are almost forced to see the stuffed animals, heart-shaped...
All-inclusive boutique: Graced by Fashion grand opening Feb. 7
CULLMAN, Ala. - Krystle Alloway is bringing fashion trends for a wide variety of tastes and sizes to her store, Graced by Fashion, at...
Former firefighter talks fire hazards
CULLMAN, Ala. - Former firefighter Duncan Warner recently talk about some common household fire hazards.
Phones
One cause of household fires in Warner’s experience has been...
Small Business Spotlight: Cookies & All That Jazz
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Jazz Sharp, of Hanceville, started Cookies & All That Jazz in November 2023. It is a licensed, home-based bakery that makes...
Notice: City of Cullman business license renewals
City of Cullman business license renewals were due Jan. 1, 2026. Licenses not renewed by Feb. 1 are delinquent.
The City has mailed courtesy renewal...
Mom Corner: Hospital bag preparation
Among all of the things going through your mind in the last stages of your pregnancy, hospital bag preparation is one of the most...
Career Paths: Real estate with Rita Tucker
Some people believe that having a college degree is the only way to have a career. And while there are professions that do require...
Op-Ed: Continuing your resolutions
Every year, people create New Year’s resolutions. As the beginning of the year approaches these are goals commonly set to support their “New year,...
Op-Ed: A good person
I think some make themselves appear as a “good person,” but what really defines us as that? Are you a good person because the...
Berlin council addresses Flock camera, farmers market details
BERLIN, Ala. – The Berlin Town Council at its meeting Monday, Jan. 19, welcomed Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Cheryl Hawkins, who answered questions...
Thursday Novel Creations at the library
CULLMAN, Ala. – Every Thursday at 3 p.m. the Cullman County Public Library welcomes its Novel Creations crafting group. They gather to create a...
Cullman library hosts quarterly card trading event
CULLMAN, Ala. - Pokémon cards were first launched in the mid-1990s and have recently regained traction by popular demand. In 2016 the release of...
Local Eats: Pop’s Cafe
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Are you looking for a restaurant with a “blast to the past” dining experience? How about Southern entrées that are made...
