Enjoy the holiday season with fire safety in mind
QUINCY, Mass. – Festive meals, flickering lights and holiday decorations are all hallmarks of the holiday season. However, Christmas trees, candles, electrical decorations and cooking all contribute to an increased number of home fires during December, making it one of the leading months for...
Bussman explains amendments on Nov. 8 ballot
CULLMAN - Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman this week took to his Facebook page to explain the amendments that Alabama voters will see on the Nov. 8 ballot. (Click here to see a sample ballot for Cullman County.) We have printed his entire post below,...
Former Alabama Secretary of State Jim Bennett dies at 76
BIRMINGHAM (AP) - Bennett's death was announced Thursday by Jacksonville State University, where he was chairman of the board of trustees. University spokeswoman Buffy Lockette says Bennett died Wednesday night after a long fight with cancer.
An Iowa native, Bennett was a one-time newspaper reporter...
Ivey announces Alabama’s participation in 2020 Girls Go CyberStart Challenge
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has announced that Alabama will participate in the 2020 Girls Go CyberStart Challenge. The Girls Go CyberStart Challenge is a skills-based competition designed to encourage girls to pursue cyber-based learning and career opportunities.
“Initiatives like the Girls Go CyberStart...
Cullman woman, Arab man charged with capital murder in death of Birmingham couple
Kristen Gullion, left, and Zachary Phillips, right (WVTM13)
BIRMINGHAM - A Cullman woman and Arab man have been charged in connection with the death of an elderly Birmingham couple, police announced Tuesday night.
The Tribune's Birmingham news partner, WVTM13, reported late Tuesday night that Zachary Taylor...
UPDATE: Victims of This Morning’s Fatal Accident on I-65 Identified; ALDOT Issues Statement
HUNTSVILLE - The victims of today's fatal accident on I-65 near Priceville, both employees of the Alabama Department of Transportation, have been identified. ALDOT employee Jacob Smith, 35, of Athens, was pronounced dead at the scene. Kenneth Hopper, 63, of Hartselle, is at a...
Gov. Bentley awards $100,000 grant for new Sequence Health facility in Cullman
CULLMAN - The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) announced today that Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $100,000 to help bring new health-care-related jobs to Cullman.
The grant will help the city prepare...
AG Strange invites schools to submit applications for Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards of Excellence
MONTGOMERY - Attorney Gen. Luther Strange is inviting public and private schools throughout the state to submit applications for the 2016 school year Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Awards of Excellence. The program was reinstituted by Strange in 2013 with a new emphasis on encouraging...
ADOL: Alabama’s November unemployment rate 5.9%; Cullman’s 4.7%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate is 5.9 percent, with Cullman County at 4.7 percent, one of the lowest in the state.
Alabama’s November rate is up from October’s rate of 5.7...
AL Sec. of State Merrill holds voter registration and ID drive at Whitlock’s General Store
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 paid a personal visit to Cullman County on Saturday. Welcomed to the Trimble community near Smith Lake by Rep. Corey...
Controversial bill targets racial profiling by police, divides area officials
Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman voted in favor of SB112. Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope and Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry strongly oppose the legislation.
CULLMAN - On Feb. 7, Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham introduced Senate Bill 112 (SB112) at the State House in Montgomery. ...
April state unemployment rate drops to 5.4%; Cullman Co. rate plummets to 3.7%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Sec. Fitzgerald Washington announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted April unemployment rate is 5.4 percent, down from March’s rate of 5.8 percent, and well below April 2016’s rate of 5.8 percent. Cullman County maintains the state’s third-lowest...
Alabama’s May unemployment rate is unchanged at 6.1%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Commissioner Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted May unemployment rate is 6.1 percent, unchanged from both April 2016’s rate and May 2015’s rate. May’s rate represents 132,106 unemployed persons, compared to 133,252 in April and...
House Committee continues important work on driver’s license issues
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview is the chairman of the House Interim Committee on Driver’s License Review.
MONTGOMERY – An agreement announced between the state of Alabama and the U.S. Department of Transportation on Wednesday underscores the important work undertaken by the House Interim Committee on...
More than 1,000 wildfires since Oct. 1– dry conditions worsen as ‘No Burn Order’ remains in effect
MONTGOMERY - Since the first of October, a total of 1,028 wildfires have destroyed 11,232 acres across the state of Alabama. And the situation is only getting worse as there is no rain in sight. Yesterday at the site of a recent wildfire in...
ADPH issues advisory against consuming largemouth bass from most Alabama waters
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is advising that no largemouth bass be consumed from most bodies of water in Alabama due to mercury contamination. Specific to Cullman County, it advises against consuming largemouth bass from Lake Catoma, and any...
Bremen’s Stan and Suzanne Wood named Southern Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The American Tree Farm System (ATFS) on Wednesday announced four Tree Farmer families from among more than 70,000 certified Tree Farmers as this year’s Regional Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year.
They are:
South: Stan and Suzanne Wood of Bremen, Alabama...
Alabama poultry’s environmental excellence
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – Poultry ranks as Alabama’s top-producing agricultural commodity. The industry continues to strive for environmental excellence each day while meeting the demand of consumers.
Advancements in Poultry Production
Through scientific research and adoption of new technologies, poultry farmers are becoming more efficient. In...
ATF: AL concealed-carry permits no longer acceptable in place of background checks
CULLMAN, Ala. - The U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) on Monday issued an advisory to all Alabama federal firearms licensees (FFLs) saying, in part, "In the interest of public safety, and effective immediately, FFLs in Alabama may...
AL workers unable to work due to COVID-19 eligible for unemployment benefits
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Monday that Alabama workers who are not able to work due to COVID-19 will be eligible to file for unemployment benefits.
Based on current guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Alabama Department...
ALEA to add digit to new driver’s license numbers beginning Dec. 1
Samples of new driver’s licenses (adult and minor)
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will soon add a digit to driver’s license numbers to accommodate the state’s growing population. Effective Dec. 1, 2018, all new driver’s licenses and non-driver IDs will contain eight-digit...
ALEA’s Marine Patrol Division reminds everyone about social distancing, water safety
MONTGOMERY – Because schools, businesses and churches have closed indefinitely in response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), more people are spending their free time on Alabama waterways.
Activity on Alabama’s lakes, rivers and other bodies of water typically increases during spring break season, but ALEA’s...
Alabama’s booming catfish industry ranked #2 in U.S.
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala.—Alabama has a reputation for cooking and serving delicious food. Barbecue, coleslaw and fried chicken are all southern staples. In the summer, though, nothing really beats a plate of fried catfish.
The state’s affinity for catfish goes beyond just cooking and eating. Alabama...
Roy Moore: ‘I don’t even know the woman’
Roy Moore addresses the media Monday evening. Photo credit: ABC 33/40
CULLMAN - A fifth accuser came forward on Monday, alleging that Judge Roy Moore, Alabama candidate for U.S. Senate, sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager. In a press conference Monday afternoon, Attorney...
Industry veteran Rick Karle joins WVTM 13 News Morning
Editor’s note: The Cullman Tribune is very much looking forward to working with Mr. Karle when he takes on his new role at WVTM 13, The Tribune’s Birmingham news partner.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Rick Karle joins the WVTM 13 News team as a news co-anchor,...
Order of the state health officer suspending certain public gatherings due to risk of infection by COVID-19
WHEREAS Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been detected in Alabama;
WHEREAS the appearance of COVID-19 in the State poses the potential of widespread exposure to an infectious agent that poses significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people;
WHEREAS the State Board of...
ADPH, ADMH partner to break the cycle of stigma
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) have launched a statewide campaign, Stop Judging. Start Healing., aimed at assisting friends, family, physicians, mental health care clinicians, substance abuse prevention and treatment providers and...
Aderholt calls for entries in 2019 Congressional Art Competition
The winning entry from District 4 in 2017, "Karmann Ghia" by Magnolia Bachman (www.house.gov)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert Aderholt,R-Alabama today called for entries in the 2019 Congressional Art Competition.
“I am pleased once again to be a sponsor of the United States Congressional Art Competition...
Tribune and Wallace State produce permanent memento of 2018 Hail Storm
HANCEVILLE/CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Tribune recently presented Cullman EMA Director Phyllis Little a full-size 3D printed model of “Walter,” the official Alabama state record hailstone that was collected in the North Walter community on the evening of Mar. 19, 2018.
“Walter” was the...
Breaking News: Governor Kay Ivey announces end of participation in all federal pandemic unemployment compensation programs
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs effective June 19, 2021 including:
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment...
‘The things you see as a prosecutor, you can’t un-see’
ANDALUSIA, Ala. – When fellow District Attorney Greg Griggers was injured in an ambush shooting outside his Demopolis office in November 2018, Walt Merrell knew it was time. Before the shooting, Merrell, the district attorney for Covington County, had felt a calling to use...
Investigations of nine young children with adenovirus are underway
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Since November 2021, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), in collaboration with pediatric healthcare providers including hospitals who treat children and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has been investigating an increase in hepatitis in young children. These...
UPDATED: ALDOT to Open New I-65/County Road 222 Interchange Jan. 22
UPDATE (Jan. 20): Due to the potential threat of rain, the location for the Exit 305 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony has been moved indoors to Topre America Corporation (1580 County Road 222).
GOOD HOPE - The long-awaited opening of Good Hope’s new I-65 interchange at County...
3 mental health crisis care centers to be established in Alabama
CULLMAN, Ala. – The Alabama House of Representatives and Senate on Thursday adopted a joint resolution for the immediate creation and funding of three 24-hour crisis care centers throughout the state. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview and Sen. Garlan Gudger,...
The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and Alabama National Fair Goat Shows see winners from Cullman County
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and the 2021 Alabama National Fair Goat Show took place in Montgomery’s Teague Arena on Saturday, October 9. This year’s youth livestock events were sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa...
Vote in America’s Best-Looking Cruiser Contest
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - It’s time once again for the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) America's Best-Looking Cruiser Contest.
Alabamians can, if they so choose, vote for the Alabama State Trooper cruiser.
According to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, “This year, AAST redesigned the voting process....
Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish and Flounder season reminders
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022...
More on SB 322: Smith Lake alcohol sales
I plan, next session, to bring a local bill to put a liquor tax on these alcohol sales. The bill will divide the tax money between county roads, schools and law enforcement.”
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Senate and House of Representatives...
Alabama Farmers Federation endorses Luther Strange for Senate
U.S. Sen. Luther Strange was one of 11 candidates for the August Senate election who spoke at the Alabama Farmers Federation home office today. He is pictured (left) with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. Strange was endorsed by FarmPAC.
MONTGOMERY - FarmPAC, a political...
Avoid senseless tragedy by never leaving children alone in vehicles
MONTGOMERY – Each summer there are deaths related to heat exposure in Alabama. The extremely hot temperatures in summer should remind parents, grandparents and caregivers not to leave children unattended in vehicles. Young children are at special risk because their bodies heat up three...
ADPH confirms state’s first death from vaping-associated illness
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed the state's first death from a vaping-associated injury. The deceased is an adult male in east Alabama.
The death comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues its investigation of...
January is Radon Action Month; ADPH offers free radon test kits
MONTGOMERY - Do you know that winter is the perfect time to protect the health of yourself and your family from radon? Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, and is the leading cause of lung cancer in...
ADPH seeks input on maternal and child health care needs
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Public Health is asking that families with children or youth complete an online survey concerning health and health care services. The anonymous survey is being conducted during the months of July through September and takes about 20 minutes...
Cullman EMA’s Little wins prestigious 2018 IAEM-USA Clayton R. Christopher Memorial Award
Left to right: Commissioner Kerry Watson, Cullman County EMA Director Phyllis Little, Commissioner Garry Marchman and Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker pose for a photo in July, when Little was awarded the Pat Neuhauser Spirit of Emergency Management Award. On Oct. 24, Little was awarded...
State Auditor Files Ethics Complaint Against Gov. Bentley, Senior Political Advisor
MONTGOMERY - On Friday, March 25, State Auditor Jim Zeigler filed a formal ethics complaint against Gov. Robert Bentley and his Senior Political Advisor Rebekah Caldwell Mason. The report to the Alabama Ethics Commission will initiate a formal legal investigation into the alleged misuse...
ALEA reminder: Federal government has extended STAR ID deadline to October 2021
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds the public the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at the direction of President Donald J. Trump, has extended the STAR ID enforcement deadline to Oct. 1, 2021, in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
STAR ID, which...
Governor declares new state of emergency
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday declared a new state of emergency as COVID-related hospitalizations approached the peaks of the first wave of the pandemic. She noted the end of the previous emergency declaration just a few weeks ago, but said that...
Alabama to begin processing claims under CARES Act provisions
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Monday that Alabama will begin processing unemployment compensation claims under all programs created by the passage of the federal CARES Act on March 27, 2020.
Programs included in the legislation:
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) -...
Widespread flu outbreak prompts Gov. Ivey to declare State Public Health Emergency
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday declared a State Public Health Emergency due to this season's widespread outbreak of the influenza virus. Acting State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris is expected to hold a news conference on Friday to provide additional information...
Pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations are at record high in Alabama, immediate measures necessary
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Hospitalizations of children in Alabama due to COVID-19 are at a record high, and immediate measures should be taken to reduce COVID-19 in the pediatric population. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics...
Alabama health officials confirm state’s first case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis, rare polio-like disease
BIRMINGHAM - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has confirmed the state's first case of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM), a rare polio-like disease that affects the nervous system.
Health officials say the cause of the disease is unknown at this time. The ADPH said...
Prevent Foodborne illnesses on hot Summer days
MONTGOMERY – Picnics, backyard grilling, camping, weddings and outdoor family reunion meals can provide a perfect environment for foodborne illnesses because the hot temperatures of summer create an ideal time for bacteria to grow. Recent foodborne illness outbreaks that resulted in hospitalizations should remind...
ADPH seeks input on maternal and child health care needs
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is asking for input from Alabamians to assess the health needs of women of childbearing age, infants, children and youth in the state. One way the public can assist is by participating in anonymous...
Northern flicker: The story behind Alabama’s state bird
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. – In Alabama, one of the most iconic and historic creatures is the Northern flicker. These distinguished birds are found in forests, neighborhoods and parks across the state–reminding residents of the species’ significant heritage. The Northern flicker, also known as the...
ADPH: ‘Share Your Smile with Alabama’ photo contest open to 3rd graders statewide
MONTGOMERY - A healthy smile is important to children, both for their overall health and self-esteem. The Oral Health Office of the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is launching its smile photo contest, and it is open to all third-grade students residing in...
Alabama State Troopers ask for public’s vote in national best-looking cruiser contest
MONTGOMERY - With 17 SEC National Championships to its name, the University of Alabama’s Crimson Tide is part of this year’s Alabama entry for American Association of State Troopers’ Best Looking Cruiser Contest.
ALEA’s staff photographers — one of whom is a die-hard Auburn fan!...
Attorney General Steve Marshall announces $3 million settlement with Tyson over Mulberry Fork spill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. —Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday a $3 million State settlement with Tyson Farms Inc. over the 2019 wastewater spill in Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.
The settlement agreement, filed in the Circuit Court of Walker County, brings an end to...
Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Begins Friday
MONTGOMERY – Alabama’s 10th Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will begin at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, and end at midnight on Sunday, Aug. 9.
“This is a perfect opportunity for parents to purchase needed school supplies and get a tax break at the same time,”...
Crane Hill couple indicted on federal tax charges
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A Crane Hill couple, Walter Michael “Mike” Williams and Amy Butler Williams, on Thursday were indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly withholding payroll taxes from their employees at Hanceville-based Dixie Steel Erectors, but not handing the tax money over...
ADPH issues alert of increased flu activity across Alabama
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) on Friday issued an alert of increased influenza (flu) activity across the state.
A media release from the ADPH reminds the public that the flu is a very contagious respiratory illness, with symptoms including fever, cough,...
Black bear cubs collared in northeast Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - To say Traci Wood has a passion for bears would understate her love for the small black bear populations on opposite ends of the state in northeast and southwest Alabama.
Wood, State Wildlife Grants coordinator with the Alabama Department of Conservation and...
Cullman woman extradited from Florida to face capital murder charges in Birmingham
Kristen Leigh Gullion (Jefferson County Jail)
BIRMINGHAM - A Cullman woman, one of two people charged with capital murder in the deaths of an elderly Birmingham couple, has been extradited from Florida and was booked into the Jefferson County Jail Tuesday. Kristen Leigh Gullion, now 31,...
Moore responds again to allegations of sexual misconduct
(AP Photo/Brynn Anderson, File)
MONTGOMERY - Judge Roy Moore responded again today to allegations that surfaced Thursday morning in a report from The Washington Post that Moore initiated a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl when he was 32, and an assistant district attorney, in...
COLUMN: Disease-carrying ticks widespread across Alabama
The collection of ticks using sticky tape shows the abundance of ticks in certain areas in Alabama. (Emily Merritt)
As a turkey hunter, I am keenly aware of the threat posed by sneaking through the Alabama woods. And I’m not talking about the danger of...
Children in Alabama being tested for Enterovirus D68
MONTGOMERY - Reports of cases from across the nation have prompted concern among parents of children and teenagers about enterovirus D68 (EV-D68).
On Aug. 29, 2014, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) sent a message to all primary care physicians to consider testing for...
Trump administration removes more abortion protections; Ivey responds
Gov. Kay Ivey, seen here on Monday, Jan.15, 2018 in Montgomery, on Friday voiced her support of President Donald Trump's actions on abortion. / Photo: Governor's Office, Hal Yeager
MONTGOMERY - The Trump administration on Friday further solidified its stance on fighting abortion, announcing two...
Miss Alabama to compete in Miss USA pageant Nov. 29
TULSA, OK - Miss Alabama, Alexandria Flanigan of Cullman, will be competing in the 70th annual Miss USA pageant to be held on Nov. 29 at the Paradise Cove Theatre of River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event will be broadcast at...
ALEA welcomes 32 new State Troopers
SELMA, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) welcomed 32 new members to its family Thursday, Aug. 15, during Trooper Class 2019-A’s graduation at the agency’s training facility in Selma.
Prior to administering the oath of office, Alabama’s Secretary of Law Enforcement Hal Taylor...
Ivey announces GE Appliances Decatur expansion, creation of 255 jobs
DECATUR – GE Appliances plans to invest $115 million in an expansion of its manufacturing facility in Decatur, adding 255 full-time jobs, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday. Ivey said the expansion will bring the plant’s total employment to almost 1,300.
In a media release, Ivey’s...
Huntsville man pleads guilty to attempting to provide material support to ISIS
Aziz Ihab Sayyed / Madison County
HUNTSVILLE - Earlier this week, a one-count information was filed charging Aziz Ihab Sayyed, 23, of Huntsville, Alabama, with attempting to provide services and personnel, namely himself, to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign...
Attorney General Steve Marshall wins nationwide injunction against Biden’s healthcare-worker vaccine mandate
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a court victory against President Biden’s healthcare-worker vaccine mandate as a federal court granted his motion to block the sweeping and illegal healthcare-worker vaccine mandate.
Tuesday, the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana granted a...
Governor Ivey Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility to be Expanded in Alabama to Include Individuals Age 12 and Older, Effective Immediately
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced Alabama is expanding COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to include individuals ages 12 and older, effective immediately. On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents with the...
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...
‘Sweet Home Alabama just got a little sweeter!’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey made it official Friday, June 2, 2023: the Yellowhammer Cookie is Alabama’s official state cookie.
On Friday, Montgomery fourth grader and recipe creator Mary Claire Cook brought a batch of the cookies to Ivey in her office. As the...
Alabama Historical Commission announces 2021 Grant Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Historical Commission (AHC), the State Historic Preservation Office, has opened its 2021 Grant Program with funds appropriated by the Alabama Legislature. Historic sites meeting the eligibility can submit applications now through Aug.21, 2020.
AHC will administer a $1.075 million Grant...
Meta plans to build $800M, next-gen data center in Montgomery
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday, May 2, announced that technology company Meta Platforms plans to open an $800 million data center in Alabama’s capital city that will support 100 operational jobs and build on the company’s previous investment in the state.
Meta’s...
FEMA registration period ends next Monday
ANNISTON - If you are a survivor of the tornadoes and severe storms that struck Alabama’s Calhoun, Cullman and Etowah counties March 19-20, you have a week to register for federal disaster assistance. The registration deadline is Monday, June 25 at 11:59 p.m.
As a...
COVID-19 testing no longer mandated for flights to the U.S., but testing and avoiding travel when sick still recommended
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Travelers returning to the United States from foreign countries by air this summer are relieved of one requirement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has rescinded its order requiring a negative pre-departure COVID-19 test before flights to the United...
Alabama ‘mudpuppy’ now listed as endangered species
The Black Warrior waterdog, also known as the Alabama mudpuppy, is now listed as an endangered species. / U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
ALABAMA - The Black Warrior waterdog, a large aquatic salamander found only in the Black Warrior River Basin in Alabama, is now...
ALABAMA 200 announces fall 2018 community grant cycle
MONTGOMERY - ALABAMA 200 is pleased to announce fall 2018 Alabama Bicentennial Commission community grants for qualifying communities. These funding opportunities are available to support activities, events and projects commemorating the state’s 200th anniversary. Awards range between $2,500 and $5,000 directed to the community...
Mental health bill sponsored by Gudger, Shedd passes Legislature, goes to Ivey
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Legislature on Thursday passed a bill that would allow people who have been temporarily committed for mental health reasons to be kept for further care, even after the expiration of their court-ordered commitments, under certain conditions. The bill was...
FEMA urges those with March 19 storm damage to register for disaster assistance
A home on Bolte Road on March 20, 2018 (Tribune file photo)
ALABAMA - Persons and families who had property damage or loss caused by the storms and tornadoes of March 19-20 in Alabama’s Calhoun, Cullman, Etowah counties are urged to register with the Federal...
Reporting of COVID-19 deaths in Alabama appears to differ from other reporting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Death counts from COVID-19 appear to vary widely based on their reporting sources—the news media, hospitals and county health departments—and there are reasons these apparent discrepancies in the number of deaths occur. “The Alabama Department of Public Health considers any deaths to...
Attorney General Steve Marshall files lawsuit to block Biden vaccine and mask mandates for Head Start employees and students
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block the Biden administration’s Head Start mandate for program employees to vaccinate against COVID, and for pre-school pupils to wear face masks, or risk all federal funding.
Two of Alabama’s state agencies—the Alabama Department of...
Suicide Prevention Month: “Suicide is just a number until it’s someone you love’
MONTGOMERY – Every year, mental health organizations and individuals in the U.S. and around the world raise awareness of suicide prevention during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention...
February 2023 health department scores
CULLMAN, Ala. - Each month, food establishments are inspected by the Alabama Department of Health and graded on every aspect of the business.
Below are the local businesses and institutions that were inspected in February.
Establishment Name: Berkeley Bob's Coffee
Address: 304 1st Ave SE
City: Cullman
Zip Code:...
New absentee voting option available for permanently disabled Alabama voters
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Act 2019-359, which went into effect Sept. 1, 2019 allows permanently disabled voters to apply for a disabled voter absentee ballot. The application is required to be signed and notarized by the primary physician of the disabled voter.According to a...
Opioid crisis: national public health leaders offer advice to local communities
BALTIMORE - At “America’s Opioid Epidemic: From Evidence to Impact,” a national summit conference at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health on Monday, Oct. 30, public health leaders and political leaders who have been involved in confronting drug abuse through their...
Rep. Harbison discusses support of constitutional carry bill HB44
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - In the new legislative session for the Alabama House of Representatives, many leaders across the state have been divided over a proposed constitutional carry bill. HB44 was introduced to eliminate the need for permits to carry concealed firearms in Alabama, and...
Alabama experiences significant H1N1 influenza activity this season
MONTGOMERY – While the flu season is just getting started in much of the country, activity is already high in Alabama, along with Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. Reports from Alabama’s network of providers who report influenza-like illness and send influenza samples for...
Outdoor Alabama photo contest now open
This ruby-throated hummingbird photo taken by Jim Flynn placed in a previous Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest.
MONTGOMERY - The Outdoor Alabama Photo Contest is now accepting entries through Oct. 31, 2018. The contest is a joint project between the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural...
Bentley orders flags at half-staff to honor Orlando victims
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley, per the President’s order, issued a directive this morning that the American flag should be lowered to half-staff immediately to honor the victims of the attack in Orlando, Florida. Flags should remain at half-staff until sunset on Thursday, June...
Cullman County and the City of Hanceville awarded grants for repaving and revitalization
MONTGOMERY - Cullman County and the City of Hanceville have been awarded Community Development Block Grants from Gov. Robert Bentley. Columbiana also received a grant.
“These Community Development Block Grants help local government make needed improvements in their cities...
Randall Shedd appointed to Joint Legislative Transportation Committee
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview has been appointed by Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon to the Joint Legislative Transportation Committee.
Shedd issued the following statement Thursday:
'I want to thank Alabama Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon for appointing me this week...
Alabama Department of Public Health issues 2022 Fish Consumption Advisories
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) annually updates fish consumption advisories based on data collected the preceding fall by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). ADEM, the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources...
AL Supreme Court suspends in-person court proceedings statewide; most local cases continued
3-14-20 at 8:52 p.m. UPDATE: Cases on Judge Rusty Turner’s Monday felony docket have been continued (postponed) to a later date. If you are scheduled to appear before Judge Turner on Monday, please contact your attorney for information on rescheduling.
The sentencing hearing for...
CDC offers new COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation (Q&I) Calculator for the public
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 have declined greatly in Alabama. However, it is unknown if the BA.2 subvariant or other emerging variants may escape the immune's systems response from either a previous COVID-19 infection or vaccine-induced protection. If so, mitigation...
ADPH announces WIC Program status is uncertain
MONTGOMERY – Due to the federal government shutdown effective, Oct. 1, 2013, the future of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is uncertain. The Alabama WIC Program is continuing to issue food instruments. Participants are currently receiving one month of WIC benefits.
The Alabama...
Cullman’s legislative delegation prepares for upcoming session
Cullman County’s state legislative delegation, left to right: Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope; Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview; Rep. Scott Stadthagen, R-Hartselle; and Sen. Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman (contributed)
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - When the Alabama Legislature convenes for its 2019 regular session on March 5, it will...
Don’t let your guard down, COVID-19 continues circulating in Alabama communities
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - COVID-19 continues to infect persons in Alabama, with the Delta variant the predominant strain. Given that recent numbers of cases, percent positive tests and hospitalizations are decreasing, Alabamians may feel that the worst is behind us. However, the potential for this...
