Op-Ed: Cullman Tribune Debate Series picks back up with county superintendent race and who’ll snag the open judge’s seat
Since wonderful Covid locked us down for a while before excessive safety measures were put in place, The Tribune debates have been an event we look forward to as it allows hopeful candidates to actually debate and exchange ideas without being coached or given...
Morris Williams running for Cullman County Schools superintendent
CULLMAN, Ala. – Morris Williams, a lifelong resident and educator, has announced his candidacy for Cullman County Schools superintendent. Williams said he brings a rich blend of local heritage, educational expertise and diverse professional experiences.
Williams said he has deep roots in the community. "I...
Marshall files brief with U.S. Supreme Court opposing Biden DOJ’s request to fast-track Trump prosecution
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall – joined by 18 states – filed a brief in the case United States v. Trump, opposing the Biden Administration’s "extraordinary request to short-circuit the normal appellate process and go directly to the U.S. Supreme Court...
Melvin Hasting discusses candidacy for Cullman Circuit Court Judge, Place 2
Updated Feb. 24, 2024, at 2:05 p.m.
CULLMAN, Ala. – With 22 years of trial experience and currently serving as president of the Cullman County Bar Association, Melvin Hasting discussed his candidacy for Cullman Circuit Court Judge, Place 2 with The Tribune.
Hasting said he is...
Candidates qualify for local offices
CULLMAN, Ala. – A number of candidates have qualified to run in local elections in 2024. Candidates seeking nomination by a party primary had to submit their names by Nov. 10, 2023. Candidates not seeking a party nomination have until Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023.
Due...
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail indicted on charges of using office for personal gain
HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail has been indicted by a Cullman County grand jury on 15 counts of using his office for personal gain, in violation of Alabama Code 36-25-5.
Cullman County District Attorney Champ Crocker, while prudent due to ethical regulations, provided...
Emily Niezer Johnston announces candidacy for Cullman Circuit Court Judge, Place 2
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman attorney Emily Niezer Johnston this week announced that she is a candidate for Cullman County 32nd Judicial Circuit Court Judge, Place 2.
Johnston is a native of Cullman County and has practiced law in the county for the past 22 years....
Barnette announces 2024 candidacy
CULLMAN, Ala. – In a significant announcement at the Cullman County Republican Party breakfast this past Saturday, Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette officially declared his intention to run for election. Barnette was appointed to the role by the Cullman County School Board...
AL SoS Allen speaks at Cullman County Republican Women meeting
CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen on Tuesday night spoke at the Cullman County Republican Women meeting. He said his primary objective was to get the message across about how important election integrity is to both the state of Alabama and...
Trump to give keynote at ALGOP Summer Dinner
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) on Wednesday announced that Former President Donald Trump will be the keynote speaker at its 2023 ALGOP Summer Dinner in Montgomery on Aug. 4 as part of the ALGOP’s Summer Meeting.
“The Alabama Republican Party is delighted...
South Vinemont council talks 4th of July
SOUTH VINEMONT, Ala. – The South Vinemont Town Council on Tuesday discussed the town’s Fourth of July event.
During its work session, the council mulled a request to increase the budget for the event from $1,500 to $4,000, which was later approved in the meeting....
ALGOP breaks record with Ron DeSantis dinner
HOOVER, Ala. - The Alabama Republican Party said it broke its record for the largest fundraising dinner in ALGOP history when it hosted Florida Governor Ron DeSantis at its annual Winter Dinner in Hoover last week. DeSantis shared his “Florida Blueprint" with attendees –...
Primary election runoff narrows field for November’s general election
CULLMAN, Ala. - The primary runoff election proved a statewide success for several candidates with Cullman ties on Tuesday night with Katie Britt and Jeremy Oden both winning their contests.
In the only local race on the ballot, Corey Freeman was the winner of the...
Tuesday brings May Primary results; new DA in town
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local attorney Champ Crocker unseated 18-year incumbent Wilson Blaylock for the Cullman County District Attorney race.
Crocker shared, “This is the result of a lot of hard work but not just by me. It’s been hard work put in by my family,...
Governor Kay Ivey wins Republican Primary outright without a runoff
Montgomery, Ala – The campaign to reelect Governor Kay Ivey today announced that Kay Ivey has won the Gubernatorial Republican Primary election outright without a runoff.
Ivey, speaking to supporters at her election night watch party in Montgomery, said:
“I can’t tell you how proud I...
The Alabama Republican Assembly announces endorsement of Cullman County District Attorney candidate Champ Crocker
CULLMAN, Ala. - It was announced on Saturday that local attorney and Cullman County District Attorney Republican candidate Champ Crocker has garnered the endorsement of Alabama Republican Assembly (ALRA).
Crocker welcomed the endorsement stating, “Today, I was pleased to accept the endorsement of the Alabama...
House GOP Caucus successfully addresses all items in its 2022 ‘Standing Tall for Alabama’ legislative agenda
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter (R - Rainsville) and Agenda Committee Chairman Randall Shedd (R - Fairview) on Friday announced that members of the body’s Republican Caucus successfully addressed all items in its “Standing Tall for Alabama” legislative agenda during the...
Absentee voting period for May 24 Primary Election begins Wednesday
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— The absentee voting period for the May 24 Primary Election begins on March 30, 2022. Important absentee voting deadlines are listed below:
May 17, 2022: The last day that absentee ballot applications can be returned by mail.May 19, 2022: The last day that...
Attorney General Steve Marshall continues fight to permanently block Biden’s federal-contractor vaccine mandate
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall has filed a brief in support of a lawsuit led by Kentucky seeking a permanent end to President Biden’s mandate that federal contractors and their employees receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
“On December 7, a federal district court granted the State...
ALGOP takes on education issues at its winter meeting
BIRMINGHAM Ala.- Members of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee (ALGOP SEC) approved a trio of resolutions pertaining to education during the Party's winter meeting in Birmingham this past weekend.
"Education has always been a priority for the Republican Party. We must protect our children...
Musical legend Lionel Richie participates in photo voter ID efforts
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— We are excited to announce that multi-platinum singer and songwriter Mr. Lionel Richie, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, has agreed to participate in our 2022 photo voter ID and voter registration initiative. Mr. Richie will be, in addition to the 45th President...
Cullman County District Attorney race opponents share why the people are important
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County District Attorney incumbent Wilson Blaylock and challenger, local attorney Champ Crocker, shared with The Cullman Tribune their thoughts on the upcoming election for DA.
The question the Tribune posed to each candidate was simply,
“Why are the people that you’ll be...
‘My guiding question will always be, ‘Does this help the citizens of Cullman County?’’
CULLMAN, Ala. – “My name is Morris Williams, and I am running for Cullman County Commissioner for District 4,” read the announcement sent to The Tribune. We reached out to find out more about Williams.
In a crowded race in District 4 with a field...
Cullman County BamaCarry announces candidate endorsements
CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County BamaCarry members announced on Saturday their endorsement of two candidates.
“We are pleased to share our endorsement of Sheriff Matt Gentry,” CC BamaCarry said. “He is the people's sheriff, and he has proven this time after time, he has also...
Cullman County incumbents facing challengers, others running unopposed
CULLMAN, Ala. - With what many call “election season” just beginning to fire up locally, some Cullman County incumbents are facing challengers while others have a seemingly smooth path to reelection.
On Friday, January 28, 2022 those seeking to qualify for various positions, from sheriff...
Congressman Robert Aderholt files paperwork to seek re-election
HALEYVILLE, Ala. –Congressman Robert Aderholt, Republican from Haleyville, on Tuesday filed paperwork with the Alabama Republican Party to seek re-election to Alabama’s 4th Congressional District.
Congressman Aderholt spoke on the prospect of reelection, especially amidst a global pandemic, saying, “I was honored to turn in...
Governor Kay Ivey qualifies for Gubernatorial race to seek reelection
Birmingham, Ala.– The reelection campaign for Governor Kay Ivey released the following statement on Tuesday, after Ivey qualified for the 2022 Republican Primary for Governor.
Ivey Campaign Manager William Califf said that due to the tremendous success of Governor Ivey’s first term, she has strong...
Commissioner Kerry Watson announces bid for re-election
CULLMAN, Ala. - I proudly announce that I am seeking re-election for Cullman County Commission, District 1. It would be a great honor to be allowed to continue to serve the people of Cullman County and to continue to be your voice for our...
Corey Freeman announces candidacy for Cullman County Commissioner, District 4
CULLMAN, Ala. - Corey Freeman recently announced candidacy for Cullman County Commissioner, District 4.
Freeman began serving the public at 14 years old. His first job was working as an attendant for a local gas station. At the age of 15, Freeman joined the Bremen...
Crocker announces district attorney campaign
CULLMAN, Ala. - Local attorney Champ Crocker recently shared that he will be included on the 2022 election ballots.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that I am running for District Attorney in the May 24, 2022 election,” Crocker said.
“I have spent my adult life after...
District Attorney Wilson Blaylock announces bid for re-election
Cullman, Ala. – On Tuesday, Republican Wilson Blaylock announced he will be seeking re-election as District Attorney for Cullman County.
“I am proud of (the) work we have done in the District Attorney’s Office,” Blaylock said. “As the chief law enforcement officer for Cullman County,...
‘Save America’
CULLMAN, Ala. - Former President Donald J. Trump visited Cullman Saturday, drawing a crowd that filled the York Family Farm, the west side venue known for the city’s annual “Rock the South” music festival. Despite complaints from local Trump detractors that the rally would...
Save America rally ramping up for former Pres. Donald J. Trump
CULLMAN, Ala. – On Saturday, York Family Farm will play host to former President Donald J. Trump's Rally sponsored by Save America and the Alabama Republican Party, beginning at 2 p.m.
Rally organizers are stressing the importance of arriving earlier in the day, opposed to...
“Save America”
CULLMAN, Ala. - The Alabama Republican Party announced Monday that 45th U.S. President Donald Trump will visit Cullman on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, for a “Save America” rally at the York farm, 1872 County Road 469, venue for Rock the South, which will take...
Attorney General Steve Marshall hails Supreme Court victory in religious freedom case supported by Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall hailed a unanimous decision by the U.S. Supreme Court Thursday, in a lawsuit supported by Alabama, upholding the right of Catholic Social Services to assist in Philadelphia’s foster care system without having to surrender the group’s religious beliefs.
“Alabama and...
Attorney General Steve Marshall announces court win against Biden administration that lifts ban on new oil and gas drilling on federal lands
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Attorney General Steve Marshall announced that in response to a lawsuit filed by Alabama and 12 other states, a U.S. District Court in Louisiana has ordered the Biden administration to lift its ban on all new oil and gas leasing and...
Bill calling for vote to make County School Superintendent an elected position passes in State House
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - House Bill 622, which would change the Cullman County School Superintendent from an appointed post to an elected post, passed the Senate Thursday after having made it through the House of Representatives April 29. Fewer than one in three Representatives took part...
Alabama faith leaders call on Gov. Ivey to expand Medicaid
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Nearly 300 Alabama faith leaders released a joint letter Thursday calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid coverage immediately for adults with low incomes. The letter – signed by 278 pastors, imams, sisters and other faith leaders – asks for...
Senate passes largest General Fund Budget in Alabama history
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate today passed the largest General Fund Budget in the state’s history. Chairman Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), Senators Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) released the below statements on the passing of this $2,482,799,471 billion budget proposal.
Senator Albritton, chairman of the Senate...
Federal Government releases preliminary 2020 census finding; Alabama keeps all congressional seats
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The United States Census Bureau on Monday afternoon released its preliminary report on the 2020 census, and Alabama officials are breathing a sigh of relief. Expected to lose up to two Congressional seats, the state’s reported population of 5,030,053 was sufficient...
Cullman area legislators Stadthagen, Gudger commended by Republican Party for conservative legislation
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Cullman area legislators State Sen. Garlan Gudger and State Rep. Scott Stadthagen last week received the Alabama Republican Party’s Chairman’s Commendation for their support of conservative party values through the sponsorship of a bill requiring athletes in gender-specific sports events to...
Opinion: Legislative update from Rep. Randall Shedd
"Major broadband legislation will be addressed again in my committee (House Urban & Rural Development) this coming week.
A working group of legislators met with Governor Ivey this past week to make final changes to SB215 carried in the House by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville.
This...
Rep. Corey Harbison speaks on the recently filed HB622 bill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope on Tuesday afternoon filed HB622, a bill that, if passed, would allow Cullman County voters to decide on a state constitutional amendment that would make the role of Cullman County Schools superintendent an elected, instead of...
Cullman County Sheriff opposes elements of new pistol permit law, calls for local constitutional amendment
CULLMAN, Ala. - Recently-passed Alabama House Bill 308 (HB308), the Alabama Uniform Concealed Carry Permit Act, makes changes to the way pistol permits are issued in the state of Alabama, including the creation of a lifetime permit and the allocation of a portion of...
Mayor Woody Jacobs proclaims April Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Cullman
CULLMAN, Ala. - On Wednesday, March 24 2021, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs officially proclaimed the month of April 2021 Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in the City of Cullman, challenging all citizens to observe SAAM by joining advocates and communities across the country in...
Whitmire: Different year, same old fight, but a new champion for open government
Alabama doesn’t function like other states on a lot of things, but especially when it comes to public records.
Last year, my colleague Amy Yurkanin had a question: How much was the University of Alabama at Birmingham paying a private company to recruit students from...
Sen. Gudger talks about lottery vote, new bills
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - On Mar. 9, the Alabama State Senate considered a bill that would have opened the door for a citizens’ vote on a state lottery, as well as other forms of gambling. Though the measure got a majority vote of 19, it...
Cullman incumbents sweep election; 2 county mayors unseated
CULLMAN, Ala. - Nine municipal elections were held across Cullman County Tuesday, and when the votes were tallied, incumbents in the City of Cullman held their own against some tough challengers, while the mayors of Baileyton and Colony were unseated.
In the City of Cullman,...
2020 Municipal Election Candidate Q&A: Jimmie Nuss and Joyce Barnett, Hanceville City Council, place 1
HANCEVILLE, Ala.- The Aug. 25, 2020 Municipal Election is Tuesday, and these are the last of The Tribune’s Q&A sessions between candidates.
In Hanceville, voters will be choosing new council members. Councilman Jimmie Nuss is being challenged by Joyce Barnett for place 1.
Editor’s note: Multiple...
2020 Municipal Election Candidate Q&A: Maxie Jones, Eric Phillips- Good Hope City Council, place 2
GOOD HOPE, Ala.- The Aug. 25, 2020 Municipal Election is Tuesday, and these are the last of The Tribune’s Q&A sessions between candidates.
In Good Hope, voters will be choosing new council members. Councilman Maxie Jones is being challenged by Eric Phillips for place 2.
Editor’s...
2020 Municipal Election Candidate Q&A: Roy Shedd and Deborah Moon, Baileyton Town Council, place 2
BAILEYTON, Ala.- As the Aug. 25, 2020 Municipal Election approaches, The Tribune is holding Q&A sessions between candidates.
In Baileyton, voters will be choosing new council members. Deborah Moon and Roy Shedd have each qualified to seek place 2, left vacant by mayoral candidate Windell...
