Remembering Jerry Willibey
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family’s story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
CULLMAN, Ala. - “He was a pretty quiet guy. If you went into a room full of veterans and started...
Remembering Hermina Johnson
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family’s story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
VINEMONT, Ala. - After battling COVID-19 for a month, Hermina Johnson died Dec. 1, 2020. Johnson tested positive and was...
Remembering Wendell Guthrie
The Tribune is paying tribute to those in our community lost to COVID-19. If you would like to share your family's story, email Christy@CullmanTribune.com.
BAILEYTON, Ala.- And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that...
‘I try to keep it as natural as possible’
CULLMAN, Ala. - West Elementary second-grade teacher Kelly Hayes’ no. 1 passion is teaching, but from an early age, nutrition and the love of all things natural have also been particularly important.
Besides having a degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in exercise...
‘We could have this thing ended by the spring’
CULLMAN, Ala. – Dr. Scott Warner, a pulmonologist who practices at Chest Medicine of Cullman and who has advised community leaders on the COVID-19 pandemic offered a stark warning ahead of Christmas: the local health care system does not have the capacity to handle...
Christmas gifts with local flavor, part 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s local merchants are full of popular and unique Christmas gift ideas. Thursday, The Tribune stopped by a few more of the city’s local businesses in an effort to find out what’s hot this year and to give the last-minute shoppers...
Christmas gifts with local flavor
CULLMAN, Ala. - Christmas is almost here and last-minute shoppers are out and about or online looking for the perfect gifts for family and friends. Luckily for Cullman shoppers, there are many unique local shops that can help you find the best gifts this...
‘Christmas Star’: Astronomical phenomenon to be visible for 1st time in 800 years Dec. 21
CULLMAN, Ala. - An astronomical phenomenon is getting a lot of attention due to its proximity to Christmas on the calendar this year. Jupiter and Saturn’s orbits bring them into what appears to be a close pass of each other- known as a “great...
Col. Fallin’s new adventure: Local veteran takes on Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise scholarship funds
CULLMAN, Ala. - Retired U.S. Army Colonel and Fairview High School alumnus Don Fallin is planning his second endurance challenge fundraiser for the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) which honors military service and sacrifice by providing scholarships to veterans and military family members, especially...
Unsung Hero: Nancy Bryant
CULLMAN, Ala. - Child advocacy and child abuse prevention agency Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) has enjoyed the service of Nancy Bryant for more than 20 years. The current assistant director joined CCK as a volunteer in August 2000 and has served as assistant...
Sheriff, chiefs say COVID impact minimal in their departments
CULLMAN COUNTY, Ala. - A Cullman County Sheriff’s Office lieutenant requested citizens attending this week’s Colony Town Council meeting to “Be in prayer for us. Got the COVID stuff going on. We have been hit hard . . . We were blessed the very...
More than 40 area veterans have received SGB shot to combat PTSD
CULLMAN, Ala. - A growing number of Cullman area veterans who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are enjoying the benefits of the Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) shot that offers them a chance to reset their brains, in a manner of speaking. Through Saving...
2020 Cullman Veterans Day Celebration could be biggest ever
CULLMAN, Ala. - In spite of the challenges of COVID-19, Cullman’s 2020 Veterans Day Celebration at Cullman Regional Airport Saturday, Nov. 7 could be the largest ever, according to the Cullman VFW’s Col. Ken Brown. This year’s event will include original WWII aircraft that...
No. 1 Bearcat fan
CULLMAN, Ala. - There were four seconds on the clock when the Cullman Bearcats sent kicker Brody Adams out for a possible game-winning field goal. While others might have been counting the Bearcats out before their exhilarating comeback over Muscle Shoals Friday night, Tina...
COMMUNITY MATTERS: Cullman Tribune Citizen of the Year: Ashley Wilson
The following was printed in The Cullman Tribune's special yearly edition, "Community Matters."
CULLMAN, Ala. - It takes a special person to turn unthinkable tragedy into something beautiful. Ashley Wilson did it, and for that reason she is The Cullman Tribune Citizen of the Year.
The...
Family of stabbing victim to state legislators: Change mandatory early release law
CULLMAN, Ala. - The family of murder victim Herndon “Junior” Self is appealing to Alabama’s legislators to review and amend the law that freed Self’s accused killer in a separate case only two days before the murder, despite his being denied parole in that...
‘A great day in Cullman and the state of Alabama’
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), City of Cullman, Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) and Cullman County’s legislative delegation on Thursday morning “broke ground” to mark the official launch of the construction project that will finally complete the four-lane expansion of...
Learning from one another: Cullman, Selma delegations meet to share ideas
CULLMAN, Ala. - A delegation from Selma traveled to Cullman Thursday to talk about how two remarkably different communities with polar opposite historical backgrounds might address differences and discuss future partnerships that allow each community to benefit from the successes of the other.
Sen. Garlan Gudger,...
‘Nothing can replace that’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Every business field and industry in the country has suffered from the effects of COVID-19 and the accompanying shutdown and restrictions, but the live entertainment event industry, which relies on revenue from packed arenas and theaters, has felt a particularly harsh...
Living with Lyme: Meet 12-year-old Madeline of Walter
WALTER, Ala. - When Madeline Hill was 4 years old, she spent a fun day with her family at a petting zoo in Key Largo, Florida. It was when the family returned home that evening that her mom, Becca, discovered a bullseye rash on...
‘He was an absolutely incredible human being’
BREMEN, Ala. - “He will always be remembered here at Cold Springs,” Cold Spring High School Principal Eric Dickerson said of the late Michael Parker. Parker passed away Friday, Aug. 28 at the age of 61. Parker, whose service was held Monday at Kinney...
Heroes Among Us: A look at the Fairview Volunteer Fire Department
This is part 1 of a special series in which The Tribune will visit with each volunteer fire department across Cullman County.
FAIRVIEW, Ala. – Heroes live among us all throughout Cullman County. They are among the first on the scene when tragedy strikes,...
Empty buildings, full hearts
CULLMAN, Ala. - Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday extended Alabama’s Safer at Home Order through Oct. 2, meaning senior centers will remain closed. The centers have been shut down since March 16, leaving many area seniors lacking the daily interactions that filled their days....
‘I promise everybody it’s real’: Local man recounts experience with COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - “At first, I never had a bad fever. The highest it got was 102. I came home from work and I felt so weak that I couldn’t move. That day, I couldn’t hardly work because I had no energy. I laid...
Cullman City Schools Strategic Building Initiative includes new intermediate, middle schools, expanded primary school
Updated 8-20-20 at 11:25 p.m.
Cullman City School Board President Joey Orr originally said, "This past year, the timing and the rates were such that it made perfect sense to pass a bond issue. We did so for the value of $14 million."
She has...
ALDOT opens bids for Highway 157 4-lane project
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) on July 31 opened bids for its project to widen Alabama Highway 157 through Cullman’s north side to four lanes- from just east of U.S. Highway 31 to just past Cullman Regional. A 3.5-mile stretch...
‘I think we’ve made some progress’
HOLLY POND, Ala. - With a long career of coaching and education behind him, and after serving one term as Holly Pond's mayor, “Coach” Bill Oliver chose not to run for re-election this year, saying, "It's someone else's turn to have all the fun."
The...
‘There is no manual for what to do next’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Since mid-March, the Cullman County Center for the Developmentally Disabled (CCCDD)’s Margaret Jean Jones Center has not been able to operate its adult day program due to COVID-19.
On June 15, the Alabama Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities (ADMH-DDD)...
Holly Pond Bronco Band welcomes new director
HOLLY POND, Ala. - After three years under Evan Curtis, the Holly Pond Bronco Band welcomed a new director to the team just in time for band camp. Stephen Cook, a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a master's degree from the...
Honoring Mr. Heinze
CULLMAN, Ala. - St. Paul’s Lutheran School at its alumni dinner on Saturday evening presented retired teacher and longtime school/church organist Fred Heinze its first ever Impact Award for his “significant impact on the lives of the young people in our school community with...
‘It’s not going to slow us down’: Cullman County DHR continues to serve and recruit foster families during COVID-19 shutdowns, restrictions
CULLMAN, Ala. - Foster parents definitely fall under the definition of “essential” during the COVID-19 shutdown. Their work does not pause, their shifts do not end, and making kids “safer at home” was a guiding principle of their efforts long before coronavirus became a...
Partnering for mental health
SOUTH VINEMONT, Ala. - Haven Counseling Services and Good Samaritan Health Clinic cut the ribbon Friday morning at Haven’s office at 18291 U.S. Highway 31 in South Vinemont, to announce a new partnership between the two agencies and the Stephen K. Griffith (SKG) Memorial...
New NASA mission to Mars flies on Alabama-built rockets
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Thursday morning launched Mars 2020, a mission to send robotic rover Perseverance and experimental helicopter (a first in space exploration) Ingenuity toward a February 2021 landing on Mars, where, according to NASA,...
Band, club, sports fundraisers disrupted by COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - During a normal summer you are likely to see smiling and waving kids with signs for car washes, bake sales and other types of fundraisers all over town. This year, due to COVID-19, even the simple effort to raise money for...
‘Failure is not an option’
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The U.S. Space and Rocket Center has been fascinating kids and adults alike, giving the west side of Huntsville one of the most distinct skylines in the United States since its opening in 1970. The museum opened shortly after the second...
‘An absolute miracle’: Good Hope Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Garmon home recovering from H1N1 after monthslong hospital stay
GOOD HOPE, Ala. - This year, a lengthy and harrowing hospital stay had the Good Hope community rallying to support its volunteer fire department and the family of Assistant Chief Jamie Garmon. He finally got to come home in this month, "an absolute miracle,"...
DOJ recommends measures to respond to excessive use of force in Alabama prisons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released the results of a three-year (2016-19) investigation into claims that prisoners in Alabama’s state men’s prisons are routinely subjected to unconstitutionally excessive amounts of force by prison guards, saying that its study...
Summer safety: Preventing vehicular heatstroke
CULLMAN, Ala. - When it’s hot outside, it's important to remember not to leave anyone- person or pet- in a vehicle unattended. For tips about how to avoid a tragedy, The Tribune contacted Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper."With...
Duck River Reservoir: Looking back at the project, part 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - In July 2018, as officials awaited pending litigation over the Duck River Dam, the City of Cullman went forward with plans to open the 640-acre Duck River Reservoir to boats and fishers, and to open the entire 22 miles of interconnected...
Duck River Reservoir: Looking back at the project, part 1
CULLMAN, Ala. - Mayor Woody Jacobs announced Friday, July 17 that the city of Cullman has begun drawing water from the Duck River Reservoir to the city water treatment plant, and that the city is now receiving drinking water from the reservoir. During his...
Bountiful blueberries: Local, family-owned Bagwell Blueberry Farm a summer treat
CULLMAN, Ala. – Along County Road 721 in eastern Cullman County, you’ll find Bagwell Blueberry Farm. It’s a small farm owned by local couple Darrell and Karen Bagwell, who grow mainly blueberries, some blackberries and raspberries and some vegetables.
“My husband is from Walker County,”...
Ivey awards Cullman’s Cyber Broadband $1.33M to provide service in Baileyton, Joppa
CULLMAN, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced she has awarded $2.9 million in grants to continue providing more Alabamians with access to high-speed internet services. The recipient of the largest grant is Cullman’s Cyber Broadband, Inc., which will receive $1.33 million to provide...
Local long-term care facilities respond to COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - Medical professionals continue to face the effects of COVID-19, especially in Alabama and parts of the Southeast, and the Cullman area’s medical facilities have not been immune. The Tribune reached out to ask how local nursing home and assisted living facilities are...
Truth in Nature: An outdoor ministry to fatherless boys
CULLMAN, Ala. - Brian and Beth Burchett knew when they bought their farm adjacent to the Bankhead National Forest that God had a greater purpose for them. They soon learned of a program, Truth in Nature, started in Georgia to teach life skills and...
Cullman EC launches Sprout Fiber Internet
Updated 6-18-20 at 3:38 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman Electric Cooperative on Thursday announced big news for its customers: the launch of Sprout Fiber Internet. The need for internet access in rural areas of Cullman County has been a pressing issue, one that has...
‘I have 4 sons . . . Will I see them killed and no one cares?’
COLONY, Ala. - Colony’s mayor and town council, the county’s only currently-serving black elected officials, have a distinct perspective on recent events surrounding the death of George Floyd, the protests and riots that followed and life in Cullman County. The Tribune sat down with...
Defund or defend? Long, Gentry, Culpepper talk about current attitudes toward law enforcement
CULLMAN, Ala. - Life has recently become far more difficult for law enforcement officers across the country, as protest groups call for police agencies to be defunded and even dismantled, and political leaders in certain places have supported the movement. Some groups have called...
For the love of Claire: Local dad launches patient advocacy service
CULLMAN, Ala. - After working in health care for more than a decade, Cullman County resident Jeff Byars thought he had a firm grasp of the system when his daughter Claire was diagnosed with cancer at 7 months old. He was shocked to find...
42 years, more than 8K babies: Dr. Howard Williamson, beloved by his patients, retires
CULLMAN, Ala. - After 42 years practicing obstetrics and gynecology in Cullman, Dr. Howard Williamson recently retired. Williamson, who began practicing in 1978, estimates he has delivered more than 8,000 babies.
After taking a leave of absence due to COVID-19, he explained in a letter...
State health officer talks asymptomatic transmission of COVID-19
CULLMAN, Ala. - The state’s top health official said Tuesday he was surprised when the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove said Monday that transmission of the coronavirus by asymptomatic people is “very rare.” The WHO walked that statement back Tuesday, after...
WellStone to launch mobile mental health crisis response team in Cullman County
CULLMAN, Ala. - WellStone, provider of mental health services to Cullman and Madison Counties, sent notification to The Tribune on Monday that “a Mobile Crisis Team will officially be added to WellStone Cullman’s program list. An initiative led by Senator Garlan Gudger, the two-person...
More than 400 law enforcement officers injured in riots across U.S., 2 dead
UNITED STATES - The riots that have followed many peaceful protests across the country over the last several days have resulted in millions of dollars in damage and more than 9,000 arrests. They have also led to the deaths of at least two law...
‘Couple skate!’: Sports World Skate Center still truckin’ after all these years
VINEMONT, Ala. - While there may be many differences between older and younger generations, one thing surely everyone can agree on is some of their greatest memories are times spent with friends at the skating rink. The music and fashion have changed, but walking...
Sen. Doug Jones: ‘This is for long-term economic investment in a state like Alabama’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Recently, U.S. Senator Doug Jones, D-Alabama, a member of both the Senate Health and Banking Committees, introduced legislation to encourage businesses to build medical equipment in America. Jones has advocated jumpstarting this new sector within Alabama’s economy by incentivizing the reopening of idle factories...
Connection, interrupted: Baileyton residents express frustration over lack of internet services
BAILEYTON, Ala. - Frustrated Baileyton residents and leaders had an opportunity Monday night to speak with Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview and Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman regarding lack of internet in their area. Shedd and Gudger answered questions from their constituents and tried to reassure...
Local tattoo parlors following, establishing health guidelines for customers
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey last Friday announced the rollout of the next phase of her Safer at Home Order, “Proceeding with Caution,” effective Monday, May 11, 2020. These changes are in effect until May 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. As part...
Going places
FAIRVIEW, Ala. - Fairview High School senior Mason Roberts has a lot to celebrate. Not only did he score a 35 on his ACT, he is also one of only two Cullman County students to be named a National Merit Finalist. Roberts, the son...
Duchess Bakery owner announces retirement; Future of bakery uncertain
CULLMAN, Ala. - For 81 years, The Duchess Bakery has been a Cullman landmark, its famous donuts attracting customers from all over Alabama. Owner Larry Bontrager has been at the bakery for 43 years, and after nearly a year of consideration, recently announced he...
Have still, will travel
CULLMAN, Ala. - Back in March, Gary “Sarge” Sargeant was just like many local business owners in Cullman. He worried about how COVID-19 and potential shutdowns would affect his motorcycle shop, Hawg Engineering. Little did he know that it would be his knowledge of...
Local gyms reopen to guests
CULLMAN, Ala. - After Governor Kay Ivey issued her amended Safer at Home Order last Friday, many local businesses began looking forward to reopening - including gyms and fitness centers. While many people have found ways to keep in shape and continue working out...
Local salons, barbers cautiously reopening
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday announced the rollout of the next phase of her Safer at Home Order, “Proceeding with Caution,” effective Monday, May 11, 2020. These changes are in effect until May 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. As part...
Welcome back! Local restaurants reopen their doors to diners
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman restaurants eased into reopening to dine-in customers Monday after Governor Kay Ivey announced last Friday that some COVID-19 restrictions would be lifted. While a few local eateries were ready to open their doors, many local favorites remained closed. Those prepared...
Loving with all his heart… and a little more
CULLMAN, Ala. - It was a long year for the McNeal family. In March 2019, Sandre McNeal had just lost her father and was making arrangements for his funeral when she fell ill and had to go to urgent care, which sent her to...
Meet Cullman County Attorney Emily Johnston
CULLMAN, Ala. - Emily Niezer Johnston was recently hired by the Cullman County Commission as the new Cullman County attorney. Johnston replaces former Cullman County Attorney Chad Floyd, who was appointed March 13 by Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey as Cullman County District Judge, Place...
Can law enforcement really arrest people for violating the stay-at-home order?
CULLMAN, Ala. - After Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris issued a statewide “stay-at-home” order March 27, some people immediately began to question the validity of the order, arguing that the U.S. Constitution, Alabama Constitution and/or state law prohibit such...
Cullman Caring for Kids: Child Abuse Awareness Month on hold, child abuse is not
CULLMAN, Ala. - As Cullman settles into a quarantine routine, April’s status as Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month is easy to overlook, but the recently countywide (and worldwide, for that matter) spike in quarantine-fueled cases of domestic violence means that awareness is more...
Sharp rise in domestic violence during quarantine
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Friday, Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper reported to The Tribune that cases of domestic violence are on the rise around Cullman, as families become more confined to their homes under the stress of uncertainty.
Said Culpepper, “As people are having to...
COVID-19: 4 local moms share their strategies, worries
CULLMAN, Ala. - With schools across the county closed for the next few weeks (or longer), many parents are now tasked with juggling work, helping with schoolwork and searching for childcare. The parents we spoke to have another characteristic in common: they are worried...
‘I felt myself come out of the blue’: 4 local veterans share testimonies about SGB shot success, honor Apel Steel for donation
CORRECTION- 3-11-20 at 6:55 p.m.
In The Tribune’s coverage of the stellate ganglion block (SGB) shot, we have said, “The SGB shot is FDA-approved.” In fact, the medications administered through the shot are FDA-approved. The shot itself does not require FDA approval.
CULLMAN, Ala. – A...
Coronavirus: Local schools, EMA prepared, not panicked
CULLMAN, Ala. – As of Monday evening, there are no reported cases of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the disease known as COVID-19, in Alabama. According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), the situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly....
‘He’s finally home’
CORRECTION- 3-11-20 at 6:55 p.m.
In The Tribune’s coverage of the stellate ganglion block (SGB) shot, we have said, “The SGB shot is FDA-approved.” In fact, the medications administered through the shot are FDA-approved. The shot itself does not require FDA approval.
CULLMAN, Ala. – Late...
Stellar student: Holly Pond senior Zack Reynolds scores 35 on ACT, named National Merit Scholarship Finalist
HOLLY POND, Ala. - Holly Pond High School senior Zack Reynolds just this week learned he has been named a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. Before that, the all-around stellar student added another achievement to his growing list. Reynolds scored a 35 on his ACT.
The...
CPD sees fewer wrecks, significant drop in traffic fatalities in 2019
CULLMAN, Ala. - After 2018 proved to be the worst year ever for traffic fatalities in the city of Cullman, the Cullman Police Department (CPD) is relieved to report a drop of more than 50% in 2019, even though the overall number of wrecks...
RV park, more planned for Cullman’s Burrow property
CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman recently revealed plans to develop a recreational vehicle (RV) park on a southwest Cullman property at 1315 County Road 222. Construction has already begun. The land, known locally as the Burrow property, was once the proposed as...
Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Keeping your children safe
CULLMAN, Ala. - As part of its ongoing series during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, The Cullman Tribune talked with Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force Chairperson Kathy Wilson about keeping children safe.
Said Wilson, “What makes your child vulnerable to a predator? If your child...
Human Trafficking Awareness Month: What is labor trafficking?
CULLMAN, Ala. - The popular image of human trafficking typically involves the forced abduction of young women to be transported across national lines into lives of coerced prostitution. While this does happen, one very common form of human trafficking does not involve sex at...
Human Trafficking Awareness Month: What is sex trafficking?
CULLMAN, Ala. - January is Human Trafficking Awareness month across the United States, and the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force is working with its media partner The Cullman Tribune to help the public better understand the complex issue of human trafficking. Task Force...
Spotlight on Human Trafficking Awareness Day
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force participated in Human Trafficking Awareness Day activities Friday, and Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed Saturday, Jan. 11 Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the city for the fifth consecutive year. Many municipalities have also...
‘I want to share my story with you about growing up under Hitler’
CULLMAN, Ala. – Author Rosemarie Reinhard Musso grew up in the village of Sterbfritz (Hessen), Germany. Wednesday, she spoke to a crowded Cullman County Public Library, greeting those gathered to hear her by saying, “I want to share my story with you about growing...
Baby boom! ‘Shot heard around Cullman’ revealed Jaxson and Lauren Earwood expecting baby boy
The ‘shot heard around Cullman’ revealed that Jaxson and Lauren Earwood are expecting a baby boy, whom they have named Foster Kole
CULLMAN, Ala. - It was a nice Sunday afternoon when the family of Jaxson and Lauren Earwood came out to celebrate with the...
‘I can’t say enough how it’s changed my life’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Saving Forgotten Warriors (SFW) announced last week its creation of the “800 Club,” a program to provide veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) an opportunity for a better life by giving them access to Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) shots, which...
Human Trafficking: What is a Trafficking-Free Zone?
Birmingham and Mountain Brook join Vestavia Hills in ‘Trafficking-Free Zone’ declarations
CULLMAN, Ala. - A day after the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force met with the Cullman City Council about a proclamation declaring the city a Trafficking-Free Zone, the cities of Birmingham and Mountain...
Bicentennial blowout! Cullman celebrates 200 years of Alabama statehood
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Saturday evening, Cullman joined communities across the state to celebrate 200 years of Alabama statehood. On Dec. 14, 1819, delegates in Huntsville signed the constitution to change Alabama from a territory to America’s 22nd state.
Mrs. Mona Hopper served as Mistress...
A shot at hope: Local businessman and philanthropist Apel donates $12K to launch PTSD program with Saving Forgotten Warriors
CORRECTION- 3-11-20 at 6:55 p.m.
In The Tribune’s coverage of the stellate ganglion block (SGB) shot, we have said, “The SGB shot is FDA-approved.” In fact, the medications administered through the shot are FDA-approved. The shot itself does not require FDA approval.
“You know, $800 can...
Mr. Harwood goes to Washington: ‘I really appreciated more than ever what it means to be an American’
ARAB, Ala. - When we first met Arab resident Randy Harwood, he had just learned that one of his dreams would be coming true. He was one of the 100 volunteers in the country chosen to help decorate the White House for Christmas. He...
‘I have enjoyed my time here’
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Wednesday, the City of Cullman said an official farewell to Rick Fulmer, its Building, Planning and Zoning director of the last 17 years. Friends and coworkers past and present gathered at city hall for a reception food, fellowship, a lot...
Exclusive: Duck River Reservoir level to be lowered for inspection of dam
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Power Board, which oversees the Duck River Reservoir, is preparing to lower the water level--which is already down slightly due to a recent lack of rain--to allow inspection of the face of the dam for leaking issues which began...
Miracle at 30,000 feet: Vinemont veteran survives stroke on flight, promotes awareness and response
VINEMONT, Ala. - Stroke is the fifth most common cause of death in the United States, and one Cullman County veteran who survived an incident with circumstances being called miraculous is spreading the word to help others know how to recognize and respond to...
Paradise lost: 1989 Fairview graduate survives Hurricane Dorian, working to help other survivors, refugees
CULLMAN, Ala. - Great Guana Cay, Bahamas is a narrow islet of the Abaco Islands and also where Cullman County native and 1989 Fairview graduate Dwight Aldridge has called home for the past 12 years. He and his neighbors knew Hurricane Dorian was headed...
Cullman native, human trafficking survivor addresses Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force met Wednesday and welcomed Cullman native Jordan Giddens, former finance director for Alabama Rep. Anthony Daniels, D-Huntsville and current child trafficking care coordinator for the Children’s Policy Council and Family Court of Jefferson County....
Meeting a living legend: CATA precision machining students sit down with world record-holding machinist Joe Hayden
CULLMAN, Ala. - Precision machining students at the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) last week were treated to a rare surprise and unique learning opportunity as Joe Hayden, a world record-holding machinist and lappist who has been referred to as the “Rembrandt of precision...
Always remembered, never forgotten
VINEMONT, Ala. - A very special event for a very special person took place in Vinemont Saturday. The Vinemont Eagles Youth Football Association retired the late Christian Hart's no. 5 jersey before Saturday’s youth games in front of an emotional home crowd. Christian, 12,...
Meet Oktoberfest 2019 Burgermeister Steve Moore
CULLMAN, Ala. - Being Burgermeister of Cullman’s Oktoberfest celebration can be a hectic duty during the event, but Steve Moore, the city’s 2019 selection, may actually have to slow down a little to take on the task.
Moore, an Arkadelphia native and 1979 graduate of...
In memory of Laura: Pre-sales needed for new GYN cancer awareness car tag in Alabama
Laura Crandall Brown was just 25 years old when she passed away from ovarian cancer. Now, the foundation she helped start with her father, Jim Crandall, is trying to raise awareness and funds for those battling gynecological (GYN) cancers.
A new Accelerate the Fight Alabama...
Never forget: 9/11 and the aftermath, by the numbers
Eighteen years ago today, the United States came under direct attack by a foreign enemy in an attack some have called the Pearl Harbor of our generation.
American Airlines Flight 11, carrying 76 passengers and a crew of 11, after being hijacked by members of...
‘I love Cullman. I love Oktoberfest. I give this my whole heart and soul.’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Each year as fall approaches, Cullman residents look forward to seeing the colorful mums that provide beautiful and bold colors around town. It was the hope and passion of resident Pat Clemmons to bring festive color and charm to Cullman, especially...
City of Cullman encourages participation in 2020 Census; door-to-door surveyors already at work
CULLMAN, Ala. - The 2020 Census is still officially almost seven months away, but such a big undertaking cannot happen instantly. In preparation for the big push next March and April, census workers have already begun going door to door performing “address canvassing.”
The U.S....
Did ADEM withhold information on river contamination levels after June 6 Tyson/River Valley Ingredients spill?
HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Black Warrior Riverkeeper (BWR), a north Alabama environmental organization on Wednesday posted to its Facebook page a large multi-page document found in an e-file on the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) website, containing detailed information about the June 6, 2019...
Troop banners keep memories alive in Addison
ADDISON, Ala. - Reminders of those who have sacrificed for our freedoms are currently on display throughout the Town of Addison. Images of area veterans are displayed on beautiful banners along the streets to honor those men and women who served our...
Community rallying around friend, co-worker and animal rescuer
Updated 7-10-19 12:40 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – It was Saturday morning June 29 when Chris Torrisi told his mother Nancy Thomas that he would be back in 30 minutes before he left their home in the Walter community to pick up a friend.
Once he...
