Home 2017
Archives
Deeper dive into the Duck River Dam
With the reservoir at “full pool” in April 2016, water flowed down the spillway into the rectangular stilling basin at the bottom before rejoining...
Planning commission green lights building projects, business expansion
Clifford Harris answers questions about the Flatts at Fischer Farms subdivision. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The City of Cullman Planning Commission on Monday evening...
Purple Heart ceremony honors fallen warriors of Cullman and Morgan Counties
Family members came out to honor their loved ones. / W.C. Mann
HARTSELLE - On Saturday, military veterans, family and friends gathered for a ceremony...
Vietnam, Ford share top billing at this year’s Veterans Day celebration
L-R: James Williams, Eckenrod Ford’s Wade Bentley, Patrick James from the Cullman Elks Lodge, Randall Chambers, Wallace State instructor Leigh Ann Courington, former mayor...
Celebrate Cullman returns bigger than ever
Downtown Cullman was swarming Friday night with residents and tourists enjoying the return of Celebrate Cullman. The kids enjoyed free rides. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN...
1st canned beers roll off the line at Goat Island Brewing
John Richter and daughter Lisa Richter Mullaney celebrate a new era for their family’s beer recipe. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - When William Frederick Richter’s...
County teachers going to school to learn about technology, industry
With a fun mix of fantasy genres, instructor Shannon Black uses a smartphone app and his “sorting helmet” to help Rhonda House find out...
West Point playground project prepares to break ground
The final phase of construction will include handicapped-accessible features and a collection of outdoor musical instruments for sensory experiences. / Photo courtesy Landscape Structures,...
Peinhardt Homesteaders plan schedule for remainder of 2017
On Sunday, Aug. 20, a class called 'Raising Rabbits on the Homestead' will be taught. / Photo courtesy Heather Grantland, Peinhardt “Homesteaders”/Facebook
CULLMAN - The...
Pet of the Week: Ollie is looking for his forever home
Ollie is available for adoption at the Cullman County Animal Shelter. / Ryan Whisenhunt
CULLMAN - Ryan Whisenhunt of the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces...
Bussman weighs in on mental health care; strong words on state of Alabama education
Paul Bussman speaks at the Cullman County Republican breakfast in February 2017/ Andrew Cryer- Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN - Mental health care has been an...
Cullman Regional Airport improvement project gets city council approval
The Cullman City Council on Monday evening passed three resolutions to make improvements to the Cullman Regional Airport. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Cullman...
Hanceville Fire & Rescue getting new gear
Hanceville Assistant Fire Chief Bart Absher confers with council members Jimmy Sawyer and Sharon Porter./ W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - With Mayor Kenneth Nail out of...
Party faithful turn out for Republican candidate dinner, minus Strange
Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice and U.S. Senate hopeful Roy Moore speaks to guests at Friday night's Republican dinner. / Andrew Cryer
CULLMAN -...
Spotlight on mental health: New AL mental health commissioner visits Cullman
Pictured are Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Rep. Randall Shedd, Cullman County Probate Judge Tammy Brown, State Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear and Mental...
Cullman Utilities Board files suit against Duck River Dam engineers, construction company
Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer announced the suit. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At 3 p.m. Friday afternoon, Cullman City Attorney Roy Williams,...
After 11 tasty years, AJ’s Steakhouse prepares to say goodbye
Melody Folsom Hill, daughter of former Alabama governor “Big Jim” Folsom, opened AJ’s Steakhouse with her late husband, Doug Hill. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN -...
Cullman Police announce changes to morning traffic flow around 3 city schools
CPD Lt. Jeff Warnke, left, Officer Rodney Banister, center, and CPD Chief Kenny Culpepper demonstrate how the cones will be set up during school...
Citizen alleges deficiencies in road management in Dodge City
Said England, during heavy rain, the ditch floods quickly, encroaching into her yard and threatening to wash over the road. / courtesy Alice England
DODGE...
Commission meeting becomes referendum on local trucking business
The commission met before a nearly packed house Tuesday morning. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - When the Cullman County Commission planned Tuesday morning’s meeting, the...
Never too young to make a difference: meet Denna Chivers
Denna Grace Chivers / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - There are lots of people who say they are animal lovers. Then there are those who make...
Voter registration deadline looming for U.S. Senate primary election
Democrat Doug Jones, left, and Republican Roy Moore, right, are the leading challengers for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Luther Strange, center....
Pet of the Week: Laid-back Alexander is searching for his forever home
Alexander is a 1-and-a-half-year-old bulldog. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
CULLMAN - Ryan Whisenhunt introduces us to Alexander, the Cullman County Animal Shelter’s pet of...
City school board announces personnel changes; holds salaries steady
CULLMAN - At its last meeting before the start of the new school year, the Cullman City School Board approved the following personnel changes.
Employment:
Samuel...
Cullman library receives grant for August Alabama Bicentennial art project
Cullman’s Alabama 200 Committee Chairman Drew Green presents a grant check to Cullman County Public Library’s Janice Cook and Cullman County Public Library System...
Remembering Jay: Families First rally promotes safe driving
Jay Kendall’s widow Suzette Kendall addresses the crowd as local dignitaries look on. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Sunday evening, friends and family gathered...
Readers ask: Why does school seem to start earlier each year?
Classrooms all over the county, like this one at Hanceville Middle School, are ready to welcome students back to class. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN COUNTY...
Walking the talk: Commissioner Garry Marchman takes road repair into his own hands
Commissioner Garry Marchman shovels a tar/gravel mix into a pothole on one of Cullman County’s roads earlier this month. / Cullman County, Delores Clark
CULLMAN...
Back-to-School sales tax holiday begins tomorrow, and includes diapers
Image courtesy of the Alabama Retail Association
CULLMAN - To make sure that everyone can do their shopping before the start of the school year,...
Remembering Hanceville’s Joann Walls: friends share fond memories as service details announced
Joann Walls passed away on Friday, July 14, 2017. / Facebook
HANCEVILLE - Family members have announced that a memorial service for Joann Hartley Walls...
Pet of the Week: Tawny is searching for his forever home
Tawny is a 1-year-old male greyhound/lab mix. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
CULLMAN - Ryan Whisenhunt from the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to...
Council unanimously approves expansion of downtown special events district
Cullman Parks and Recreation's Waid Harbison defended the special events district expansion, and saw two special event requests approved. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The...
Rock hiding and hunting movement sweeping Cullman County
Krimson Mumford and her prize at Garden City Town Hall / Photo courtesy Emily Roberson, Hanceville Rocks
CULLMAN COUNTY - At various places around Cullman...
West Point’s new fire station and community shelter officially open for business
After the official ribbon cutting, the firefighters held their own opening ceremony: a firehose cutting with the jaws of life. July 15, 2017/ W.C....
36 area youth graduate sheriff’s leadership academy
The 2017 Sheriff’s Youth Leadership Academy class prepares to graduate Friday evening, July 14, 2017. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Friday, 36 area students...
Artists’ Alley adds new flair to growing 2nd Fridays
In Artists’ Alley, visitors can shop for works by local artists, and even watch some work live. / W.C. Mann
At the end of the...
Aiming for no. 1: Catfish N Que faces the judges
The staff of Catfish N Que accepts their finalist plaque from the Alabama Farmers Federation. L-R front: Mike “Papa” Link, Salina Link, Leigh Ann...
Colony fills vacant council seat; good news on summer food program
New Colony Councilwoman Ethel Alexander, with Mayor Donnis Leeth / W.C. Mann
COLONY - The biggest order of business on the table at Colony’s town...
County school board welcomes new teachers, staff
Several new teachers and administrators were on hand to introduce themselves. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Thursday evening, the Cullman County Board of Education...
Mom founds local charity, Curt’s Closet
Curt Wilson was just 15 when he was killed in a car crash on May 7. His mom, Ashley Wilson, has founded a local...
Point of View: Logan fire chief addresses water controversy
The front portion of Brick Haven was declared a total loss following the July 1 fire. / Aerial Envision
CULLMAN - In the aftermath of...
‘The Science of Alabama History’
CHS coach and science (and now history) teacher Kyle Morris / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday morning, representatives of communities and organizations across north...
Pet of the Week: Avalon is searching for her forever home
Avalon is a 5-month-old female heeler mix. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
Ryan Whisenhunt from the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to Avalon, a...
Change of leadership at Topre
Topre America accepts a plaque at the Japan America Society of Alabama annual dinner May 19, 2016 for the $8.5 million expansion at the...
Commission gets earful on special events district expansion; amendment heads to city council
Downtown Merchants’ Association advisor Ron Pierce defends the expansion of the downtown special events district. The expansion will now go before the Cullman City...
125th annual singing convention draws capacity crowd to courthouse
Music comes from all directions as the song leader directs from the center. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Over the weekend, Cullman celebrated what has...
James Fields: will he or won’t he?
Rev. Fields stopped by Jack’s to eat breakfast and talk shop, but spent much of his time receiving encouragement from supporters. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN...
Downtown and Warehouse District merchants gearing up for ‘Celebrate Cullman’
2nd Fridays events are a big draw downtown during the summer months. / Andrew Cryer
We’ve really got a vibrant downtown, and we don’t want...
CCBOE names AHSAA’s Wanda Gilliland first district-wide athletic director
Wanda Gilliland, who retired from the AHSAA in June, is set to be named the first-ever district-wide athletic director for Cullman County Schools. /...
Still on top: Cold Springs FFA String Band wins 2nd state title
The band with their prize banner after the competition / Brad Murray
BREMEN - Earlier this summer, students from around the state gathered in Montgomery...
McKenzie ASA Classic archery tournament returning to Cullman for next 3 years
CULLMAN - Nathan Anderson of Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) and Mike Tyrell of the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) recently signed an agreement that...
Milo’s is back! Burger chain returns to Cullman
Milo’s corporate HQ in Birmingham was well represented: (L-R) Vice President of Operations Liz Smith, CEO Tom Dekle, Marketing Manager Mary Duncan Proctor, and...
125th annual singing convention coming to courthouse this weekend
This year’s convention is receiving special attention as part of the state’s bicentennial celebration.
CULLMAN - On Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, the...
Brick Haven fire exposes weakness in water system; Co. water dept. responds
Firefighters on the scene of the fully-involved blaze at Brick Haven on July 1 were frustrated with the available water pressure. This photo shows...
Desperation Church treats community to fireworks, much more
Patriots of all ages came dressed in their best red, white and blue. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Many came out for the fireworks, but...
The national anthem: all of it
The Ft. McHenry flag / Smithsonian Institution
CULLMAN - We hear it at almost every high school, college and professional sporting event, at least most...
4th of July safety: be smart around fireworks
CULLMAN COUNTY - Independence Day is almost upon us. It’s a time for parades, family get-togethers, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. And that’s where...
Inside the new CCSO training center
Capt. Mark Persall, Lt. Rex Sorrow and Lt. Jeff Clemons in the main room of the training center / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Cullman...
AL Sec. of State Merrill holds voter registration and ID drive at Whitlock’s General...
Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill, Cullman County Commissioner Garry Marchman and State Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Cullman
TRIMBLE - Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill...
Helping hand: Hanceville leaders, personnel turn out to protect home from rising flood water
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, second from left, called the city to action to help community member Lynda Brown. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - On Friday...
Vacated Colony council seat remains open
COLONY - The Colony Town Council is still trying to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Myra Twitty in early May. At...
CCBOE recognizes area businesses and industries for support
State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview and Cullman Regional’s Lindsey Dossey / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The close relationship between the Cullman County Board of Education...
No longer a 4-lane: new lanes causing confusion on Hwy 278 E
Some eastbound motorists are confusing the St. Bernard turn lane (between double yellow lines) for the passing lane that previously began just up the...
Drug trafficking defendants sue county officials: Sheriff responds
CULLMAN - A group of Cullman County drug trafficking defendants have filed a class action civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against...
“Too good to be true” Sheriff warns WaLLi class about scams
Sheriff Gentry addresses the WaLLi class at Wallace State on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry visited...
“Absolutely fantastic!”
Image credit: TSM at the Rock on Facebook
CULLMAN - Earlier this month, a mix-up with the delivery of a large supply of donated food...
Hanceville FD training a popular draw, not just for firefighters
Firefighters take time out of a busy training day to welcome young visitors. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Hanceville Fire Station No. 1 was a...
County Commission questioned by accident victim’s spouse about conditions on County Road 222
Julian Morris, left, talks with County Engineer John Lang after Tuesday morning's commission meeting. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - County Road 222 has become infamous...
Council recognizes firefighter, EMT of the year, bids farewell to 2 fire department veterans
Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Edward Reinhardt, Firefighter of the Year Lt. Jason Lamb with his son Nathan, EMT of the Year Chase Cornell, and...
City school board awards achievements, introduces new faculty members
Cullman Middle School Principal Lane Hill, with Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson, accepts an award naming his school a 2017 National Beta School of Merit....
7th annual radKIDS Summer Safety Camp kicks off Monday
CPD DARE Officer Cindy Rohrscheib with a participant in last year's radKIDS camp / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN - From June 26-30, the Cullman Police...
Cullman officially welcomes its first escape game venue
Cullman officially welcomed Escape Cullman to town with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 22. / Photo courtesy of the Cullman Area Chamber of...
Hanceville mayor gives update on Confederate monuments; Met-South ready to build
Hanceville has added $119,000 in revenue this year from the City’s half-cent sales tax enacted in December. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Mayor Kenneth Nail...
“It’s not about hate.” Hanceville mayor talks Confederate monuments and potential costs
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail wants New Orleans’ Confederate monuments. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - White supremacist Dylann Roof’s 2015 murder of nine members of the...
Cullman EMA keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Cindy
Image shows Tropical Storm Cindy’s projected path, as of 7 a.m. Thursday morning. / NOAA National Hurricane Center
CULLMAN - The current weather situation in...
Return to the Great Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg
New attractions like the “tree-based” family adventure park Anakeesta are appearing along Gatlinburg’s main thoroughfares. / W.C. Mann
GATLINBURG - Right in the heart of...
Topre America expanding operation: larger facility, new jobs
On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 100 participants from the 2016 National Arc Welding Conference visited Topre Corporation in Cullman. / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN -...
Garden City council still shaken by loss of Councilman Gene Norman
Norman’s name plate still hangs in front of his empty seat in town hall. / W.C. Mann
GARDEN CITY - At Monday evening’s meeting, the...
Colony summer kids’ program going strong; efforts to fill empty council seat stall
Last week, students got to construct an electronic circuit to power a light. / Patricia Ponder
COLONY - The latest Colony Town Council meeting included...
Return to the Great Smoky Mountains: Pigeon Forge
A panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the south side of Gatlinburg shows evidence of substantial recovery in both the...
State back-to-school sales tax holiday moves up to July
Image courtesy of the Alabama Retail Association
CULLMAN - To make sure that everyone can do their shopping before the start of the school year,...
Check out Elevate Cullman, area’s newest women’s fitness studio
Instructors Morgan Moore, Rachel Eidson and Rachel McPhillips / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - It’s an exercise place, and it’s next door to the Duchess Bakery,...
City school board approves contract for CMS storm damage repairs
The Cullman City School Board met early Wednesday morning at a special called meeting. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At a special called meeting early...
Cullman hosting Dept. of Homeland Security human trafficking training event
CULLMAN - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “a form of modern-day slavery, and involves the use of force, fraud,...
For Curt: friends and family gather to celebrate life of CHS student Curt Wilson
Guests were asked to sign a “CW” for Curt’s mother, Ashley Wilson./ W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Sunday afternoon, the Cullman Elks Lodge was the...
New CEDA director Dale Greer reflects on transition
Dale Greer / Cullman Economic Development Agency
I see Cullman continuing to grow, continuing to prosper. I think we’ll be very progressive, but I think...
City Parks and Recreation urges patience for Heritage Park repairs
The Heritage Park soccer fields some time prior to this year's Rock the South/ Cullman Parks and Recreation
We want to reassure you that Heritage...
Tractor and engine show hot topic of quiet Hanceville council meeting
Display at the 2015 show / City of Hanceville
HANCEVILLE - With Mayor Kenneth Nail out of town, the Hanceville City Council held its regular...
Brad Meeks, insurance companies answer charges in Curt Wilson wrongful death suit
Editor's note: This story has been updated (see italicized text) to provide clarity. 6-13-17
CULLMAN - On May 18, Ashley Wilson, mother of Curtis James...
“Street Outlaws” fans: the Reaper is coming to Baileyton this Saturday
The heavily modified 1968 Camaro, SS “Reaper,” will be in Baileyton this Saturday./ Reaper SS on Facebook
BAILEYTON - The Discovery Channel show “Street Outlaws”...
Cullman welcomes Champion Sports Medicine with official ribbon cutting
Cullman Center Manager Lisa Armstrong and property owner/developer Roy Drinkard
CULLMAN - On Wednesday morning the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Woody Jacobs...
Delivery mix-up leaves Cullman Caring for Kids scrambling for summer resources
Empty and nearly empty shelves in the Cullman Caring for Kids pantry could spell disaster for needy families in the Cullman area.
CULLMAN - Summer...
Hanceville’s Knapsacks for Kids program reflects on busy school year
Staff and volunteers pray together before getting to work.
HANCEVILLE - The school year has officially come to a close, and the staffers and volunteers...
Good Samaritans: Lowe’s employee and CPD go above and beyond to aid stranded Rock...
Lowe’s Associate Jeremy McKenzie works on a stranded RTS fan’s electric wheelchair.
CULLMAN - Much has been said about the problems that the rain caused...
South Plaza site plans approved by Cullman City Planning Commission
CULLMAN - On Monday evening the Cullman City Planning Commission met before a larger than normal crowd to consider eight subdivision measures and three...
Annual farm tour invites kids to meet what they eat
CULLMAN - On June 14-15, the North Alabama Agriplex will again offer its original summer educational program Touring Farms for Kids.
Director Rachel Dawsey talked...
Huntsville developer makes move into Cullman with South Plaza project
Artist’s conception of South Plaza shopping center
CULLMAN - Samples Properties is a real estate development company that has enjoyed success in the Huntsville area,...
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks has harsh words for Democrats at area Republican breakfast
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks talks about the American economy.
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Republican Party held its monthly breakfast meeting at the Cullman Elks...
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette reflects on his 1st year on the job
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette has just completed his first year on the job.
My biggest thing is I don’t want there to be...
Exclusive preview: Inside Escape Cullman
Escape Cullman is located in the old Channel 2 office in downtown Cullman.
CULLMAN - Escape Cullman, the area’s first escape game venue, will open...




















































































































