Ivey expedites signing of bill as part of Toyota-Mazda incentives package
Rep. Danny Crawford, R-Athens, Gov. Kay Ivey and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur during the signing of Senate Bill 98 / Governor’s Office, Hal Yeager
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday signed into law Senate Bill 98, providing authority to counties to abate rollback ad...
State files lawsuit against major opioid manufacturers
Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall / Image source: WVTM 13
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall announced today that the State of Alabama has filed suit against Purdue Pharma, L.P., Purdue Frederick Company Inc., and Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, L.P. (collectively “Purdue”), the manufacturers and sellers...
Ivey awards City of Cullman $450K for completion of Brunner Street project
Gov. Kay Ivey, Cullman Economic Development Agency’s Jamie Troutman and ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell in Montgomery / Governor's Office, Hal Yeager
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday awarded more than $10.5 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) to 28 Alabama towns and cities....
Opioids in Alabama
MONTGOMERY - On Jan. 24, Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall, State Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear, and Acting State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris released the findings of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, including a list of recommended actions the state can...
(UPDATED) STATE REPORT CARD: Cullman County Schools receive a ‘B’; City Schools an ‘A’
Updated 2-1-18 7:18 p.m.
CULLMAN - The Alabama State Department of Education (ASDE) on Thursday released the 2016-2017 State Report Card, part of 2012's Alabama Accountability Act, which required the ASDE to come up with a report card to assign an overall letter grade for...
Sheriff’s office to receive new K-9 unit and patrol vehicle with kennel
MONTGOMERY - Six law enforcement agencies across north Alabama are set to receive upgraded equipment thanks to $144,000 in grants awarded by Gov. Kay Ivey. The governor’s office said, “The grants will enable police and sheriff’s departments to purchase vehicles, communications equipment and other...
Governor Ivey urges employers to hire veterans, apply for federal designation
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has joined U.S. Labor Sec. Alexander Acosta and Alabama Labor Sec. Fitzgerald Washington in urging employers to recruit and employ Alabama’s veterans.
A new federal program, the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, expected to officially kick off in 2019, is designed...
UPDATE: Gov. Ivey responds to Hanceville mayor’s comments
CULLMAN - As controversy swirls around today's news that Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman this morning called for Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail's immediate resignation over comments Nail made about Gov. Kay Ivey, the governor issued the following response to The Tribune:
"I’ve spoken with Mayor Nail,...
WATCH: Shedd, Harbison, Bussman talk state, local issues at annual Cullman luncheon; Bussman takes aim at Alabama State Department of Education
Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman spent a good portion of his time speaking about education at Friday’s State of the State Community Luncheon. / Nick Griffin
CULLMAN - The Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 State of the State Community Luncheon took place on Friday, with...
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...
Cullman County unemployment rate dips to 2.8%
MONTGOMERY - December’s state unemployment numbers were released Friday morning, with Alabama maintaining November’s rate of 3.5 percent, a record low, and Cullman County’s rate coming in at 2.8 percent, down slightly from November’s rate of 3 percent. Cullman County’s unemployment rate is the...
2018 Alabama general election: candidates; pro-life constitutional amendment
CULLMAN - Major party candidate qualification for the 2018 Alabama general election opened on Jan. 8. After the first week, the candidates listed below are known to have qualified for candidacy in the election, or are known to be in the process of qualifying....
ALDOT, Alabama EMA: winter weather will bring dangerous conditions
ALDOT is preparing Alabama roads for winter weather. / Photo, taken Monday, Jan. 15, 2018, is courtesy of photographer Bill Castle/ABC3340.
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) and the Alabama Emergency Management Agency are warning Alabamians to expect dangerous conditions across the state as winter...
Gov. Ivey issues State of Emergency in preparation for winter weather
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a State of Emergency, effective at 6 p.m. Monday, for all Alabama counties in preparation for potential severe winter weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for a large portion of Alabama in anticipation...
ALDOT prepared for approaching winter weather
MONTGOMERY – With temperatures dropping below freezing and rain predicted for Friday through early Saturday, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) encourages motorists to drive with extreme caution and to monitor road conditions before traveling.
Motorists needing information on road conditions in Alabama should look...
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...
It’s official: Toyota-Mazda selects Alabama for $1.6 billion auto plant with 4,000 jobs
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey joined Toyota and Mazda leaders today to announce that the automakers have selected Huntsville, Alabama, as the site of their new joint-venture manufacturing plant.
The new plant will have the capacity to build 300,000 vehicles annually, with production split evenly...
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...
Community response to crashes at AL 91 intersection brings ALDOT to Hanceville
Mayor Kenneth Nail, along with members of Hanceville’s City Council and other officials, met with ALDOT’s John Cooper at the intersection of Alabama Highway 91 and Edmondson Road by Dale’s Saturday morning. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - After the death of a Crane Hill man...
Ever seen a black bear in Alabama? You might soon
Black bears in Alabama are being studied by using DNA collection devices, like barbed wire around a bait, as well as collaring adult bears. One question researchers hope to answer is whether bear nests in southwest Alabama provide enough protection for cubs. (Courtesy of...
Troopers: 23 fatalities during holiday travel period
MONTGOMERY - Alabama State Troopers investigated 23 traffic deaths during the Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday travel period, which was from 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, to midnight Monday, Jan. 1, 2018. The total is significantly lower than the total from the...
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...
Upcoming legislative session highlights
Cullman’s legislative delegation: Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman; Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope; Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview; and Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle / Tribune file photos, State of Alabama
CULLMAN - As Alabama’s Legislature gets ready to begin the 2018 session, The Tribune took a peek...
What’s on deck for upcoming legislative session
CULLMAN COUNTY - Before the 2018 legislative session kicks off in Montgomery on Jan. 9, The Tribune caught up with area Representatives Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope and Randall Shedd, R-Fairview to talk about what citizens might expect to see coming out of Montgomery this...
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,...
AL AG Marshall joins legal fight to support Trump’s order against sanctuary cities
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of 11 state attorneys general in an amicus brief to support President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding sanctuary cities.
The attorneys general filed a friend-of-the-court brief on Dec. 22 urging the U.S. Court of...
Insurance checklist for 2018: 5 policies to review as you start the new year
MONTGOMERY - The start of a new year is a good time to re-evaluate your insurance coverage needs. Changing circumstances may require updated policies. Did you have a baby? Get married? Purchase a new home or car? If so, you'll want to check whether...
Governor awards $2.3 million to assist low-income residents
MONTGOMERY- Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $2.3 million for programs that help low-income residents take steps to secure gainful employment and improve their quality of life. Community Action Partnership of North Alabama Inc., which serves Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan Counties, received $104,223.
The...
Governor announces Alabama Bicentennial Schools Initiative
Photo courtesy of Alabama 200
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey this month announced the Alabama Bicentennial Schools education initiative. The initiative is designed to encourage all public, private and homeschool students and teachers to participate in the celebration of Alabama’s 200th anniversary of statehood in...
Alabama unemployment hits record low 3.5%; Cullman Co. steady at 3%
MONTGOMERY – The state’s unemployment rate has dropped to 3.5 percent, a new record, according to a media release from Gov. Kay Ivey. Cullman County’s rate is holding steady at 3 percent.
Ivey announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate set a...
ALDOT reminds drivers to drive responsibly this holiday season
MONTGOMERY – With the highest year-end travel volume on record expected* and those road trips taking as much as three times longer than normal**, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is reminding travelers to have patience and drive responsibly this holiday season.
To ease holiday...
ALEA preparing for greater Christmas presence on Alabama roadways
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) will have a greater Christmas presence this holiday season by assigning all available Alabama State Troopers to patrol Alabama’s roadways and to bolster efforts to prevent traffic crashes, injuries and fatalities.
The goal is quite simple: to...
Significant flu activity in AL; Cullman Regional reports ‘substantial increase’ this week
MONTGOMERY - Influenza activity levels are increasing across the state of Alabama, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), which said several positive influenza (flu) specimens in north Alabama have been reported in the previous three weeks. While the flu season is...
AL Sec. of State Merrill says all write-in votes in special election to be ID’d, documented
Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill, pictured in Cullman in April 2017 / Tribune file photo
MONTGOMERY - Pursuant to Act 2016-450, regarding the identification and recordation of write-in votes, Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill has determined that the individual write-in votes cast in...
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...
Birmingham man gets 20 years for selling heroin that killed Cullman man
Michael Dewayne "Big Boi" Johnson
Updated 12-15-17 at 10:45 a.m.
BIRMINGHAM – A federal judge on Wednesday sentenced a Birmingham man to 20 years in prison for selling heroin last year that caused the death of a Cullman man and seriously injured another, according to the...
Roy Moore releases new statement; refuses to concede election to Jones
MONTGOMERY - Former Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore on Wednesday released a video statement. In it, Moore again declines to concede the election to Democratic Senator-elect Doug Jones.
Below is the content of Moore's message:
"Tomorrow, my wife and I will celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary.
I...
SPECIAL ELECTION: Doug Jones defeats Roy Moore; Moore not conceding
ALABAMA - In a stunning come-from-behind victory, Democrat Doug Jones defeated Republican Roy Moore in the U.S. Senate special election Tuesday by a razor-thin margin, and for the first time in 25 years, Alabama is sending a Democrat to the U.S. Senate. But while...
Ivey awards more than $37M to help low-income families with energy bills
MONTGOMERY – With the first real surge of winter weather in Alabama last week, Gov. Kay Ivey is awarding $37.3 million in grants to ensure that many of Alabama’s neediest families are prepared for the cold weather.
Serving Cullman, Lawrence and Morgan Counties, Community Action...
2018 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest opens Dec. 11
The 2018-19 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest winning entry, the Green-Winged Teal, by John Denney of Alexander City. / www.outdooralabama.com
MONTGOMERY - Alabama artists are invited to enter the 2018 Alabama Waterfowl Stamp art contest, which opens Dec. 11, 2017. The winning artwork will...
Cullman County’s Haynes elected to State Women’s Leadership Committee
Cullman County's Lydia Haynes was elected State Women’s Leadership Committee Region 1 director during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 4. Region 1 includes Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and...
Cullman County Farmers Federation recognized with Award for Excellence
The Cullman County Farmers Federation received the Award for Excellence Dec. 4. at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th annual meeting in Montgomery. The award recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs, and the county’s Women’s Leadership and...
The Tribune’s Loretta Gillespie wins Print Communications Award for Excellence in Ag Journalism
Print Communications Award winner Loretta Gillespie, center, with Cullman County Farmers Federation Reporter Lisa Lake, left, and Alabama Farmers Federation Director of Communications Jeff Helms. / Alfa Farmers
MONTGOMERY - The Tribune’s Loretta Gillespie received the Print Communications Award from the Alabama Farmers Federation during...
Statewide, Troopers investigate 6 traffic deaths, 10 fewer than 2016, during Thanksgiving weekend
MONTGOMERY – In the days leading up to and during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday travel period, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) promoted #ArriveAliveAlabama – and it seems the motoring public took note. Alabama State Troopers investigated 6 traffic deaths – 10 fewer than...
Duck River project awarded $193K, Stony Lonesome $550K, in state grants
Stony Lonesome Park Manager Tyler Lindsey offers advice to a driver on how to make it up Donkey Punch, one of the park's hills. / Tribune file photo
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey this week awarded $3.3 million in grants to expand recreational trails in...
Gov. Ivey proclaims Nov. 25 Small Business Saturday
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has signed a proclamation formally declaring Nov. 25 as Small Business Saturday in Alabama. Small Business Saturday is designed to celebrate and support small businesses and the impact it has on Alabama communities.
“Small Business Saturday is a wonderful opportunity...
State Troopers: Buckle up, slow down and drive alert this Thanksgiving holiday
Photo courtesy of Drive Safe Alabama
MONTGOMERY – To ease Thanksgiving traffic congestion statewide and as an added safety precaution, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) announced there will be no temporary lane closures on Alabama interstates from noon, Wednesday, Nov. 22, through midnight, Sunday,...
AG Marshall joins coalition urging protection of prayer at public meetings
Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall, right, seen here in a Tribune file photo from 2017
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall joined a coalition of 22 states recently in urging the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the practice of lawmaker-led prayer at public meetings.
“Lawmaker-led...
Gov. Ivey kicks off Farm-City Week with tree planting
Gov. Kay Ivey kicked off Farm-City Week by joining members of Rotary, Alabama Farm-City and Alabama TREASURE Forest Association (ATFA) for a ceremonial tree planting on the Capitol grounds Nov. 17. From left are ATFA Executive Director William Green, Rotary District 6880 Governor Bill...
State’s Oct. unemployment rate record low 3.6%; Cullman Co. at 3%
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey’s office Friday morning released the state’s latest unemployment numbers. According to the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL), Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted October unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, down from September’s previous record-tying rate of 3.8 percent, and well below...
Moore campaign: 12 women come forward to affirm Roy Moore’s character
MONTGOMERY – Wednesday night, the Judge Roy Moore Campaign for U.S. Senate released the statements of 12 women who it claims are coming forward as character witnesses for the embattled Moore. The statements were released following a news conference by Moore's attorney, Phillip L....
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...
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...
Gov. Ivey promotes Veterans Day through proclamation and executive order
Gov. Kay Ivey signs Executive Order 712; pictured to the far left is Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Clyde Marsh and to the right of Ivey is Alabama National Guard Adjutant Gen. Sheryl Gordon. (Governor’s Office, Hal Yeager)
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on...
Leaders respond to Roy Moore allegations
Former Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice and U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore speaks to guests at a Republican dinner in Cullman on July 28, 2017. / Tribune file photo
ALABAMA - Political leaders from around the state are responding this afternoon to the allegations that...
Cullman County youths bring home awards from state sheep show at Alabama National Fair
Kiah Lake of Cullman County was named reserve supreme champion in the Breeding Division of the Alabama National Fair Youth Sheep Show in Montgomery Nov. 3. He also was the reserve champion in the Commercial Division. Judge was Robert Carr of Russiaville, Indiana. The...
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...
House committee streamlines process for veterans to update status on AL driver’s licenses
MONTGOMERY - State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview, who serves as chairman of the House Interim Committee on Driver’s License Review, joined with members of the panel on Monday to announce new, streamlined procedures that allow former members of the military to list their veteran...
Ivey awards $3.8M to aid abuse victims statewide; almost $27K to Victim Services of Cullman
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey this week awarded $3.8 million to 49 nonprofits statewide which offer a variety of assistance at no cost to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or child abuse and their families. Victim Services of Cullman, Inc. received $26,795.
The assistance...
Ivey awards $1.3M for new state drug task force; Cullman 1 of 7 regional offices
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $1.3 million to establish a new drug task force that will operate throughout the state in cooperation with local and state law enforcement agencies. Each of the seven regional offices, one of which will be...
Beginning Nov. 1, veterans get in free to all Alabama State Parks
Buck's Pocket State Park / www.alapark.com
MONTGOMERY - To show appreciation for their service, Alabama State Parks is implementing a new program that provides veterans with free admission to any state park, park facility or day use area that charges an entrance fee – including...
AL unemployment rate at historic low 3.8%; Cullman County second lowest in state at 2.8%
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted September unemployment rate is 3.8 percent, down from August’s rate of 4.2 percent, and well below September 2016’s rate of 6.0 percent. The last time Alabama’s unemployment rate was this low was...
ADECA head in Cullman: stresses importance of broadband, upcoming census
ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell, left, shares a laugh with Wallace State Vice President Dr. Tomesa Smith, center, and Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, right, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 2017 at a lunch on the Wallace State campus. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Kenneth Boswell, Gov. Kay...
ALEA: uninsured motorists to face penalties, effective Nov. 1
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is set to begin enforcing the Alabama Mandatory Liability Insurance Law (Act#2016-361). Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 1, those who choose to drive without liability insurance will face a civil penalty.
Last year, during the 2016 legislative session, the law was...
Gov. Ivey: Alabama to join FirstNet First Responder Network
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced her decision to accept the FirstNet and AT&T plan to deliver a wireless broadband network to the state’s public safety community that will bring advanced tools to help Alabama’s first responders save lives and protect communities.
“Keeping...
Ivey: Alabama first state to roll out nationally-recognized manufacturing credentials at every community college
BIRMINGHAM – Gov. Kay Ivey, while speaking at the Southern Automotive Conference Friday, announced that the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), through a partnership with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC), will be offering nationally-recognized and industry-led credentials at every college this spring. This...
Cullman County student leaders learn valuable lessons during youth leadership conference
Cullman County students Emily Wells and Cooper Jones attended the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Youth Leadership Conference at the 4-H Center in Columbiana Oct. 2-3. The Cullman County Farmers Federation sponsored Wells and Jones at the conference, where 46 ninth-10th grade students learned about social...
Alabama AG Marshall joins those in support of ‘Road to Recovery Act’
Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall, right, at Johnny's Bar-B-Q on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017. / W.C. Mann
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall, along with a bipartisan coalition of 39 attorneys general and the National Association of Attorneys General, this week called on Congress...
Governor Ivey issues statewide State of Emergency ahead of Tropical Storm Nate
MONTGOMERY– Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday issued a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of the potential impacts for Tropical Storm Nate. According to the National Hurricane Center, Nate is expected to reach the northern Gulf Coast this weekend as a hurricane when it...
Cullman man sentenced to 90 years for child pornography
Gregory Jerome Lee
BIRMINGHAM - An Alabama man was sentenced Wednesday to 90 years in prison and 10 years of supervised release for production of child pornography involving seven minor victims, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division...
Fields announces run for Alabama governor
CULLMAN - Democrat James C. Fields, Jr. Tuesday night officially declared his intention to run for governor of Alabama in 2018. Fields made the announcement to a fired-up crowd of supporters at Stone Bridge Farms in Cullman.
Reported WBRC, Fields, 62, is a United Methodist...
Alabama AG Marshall among 32 AGs calling on Equifax to suspend and reimburse fees
Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall is also warning consumers against falling victim to scammers claiming to be from Equifax. / Image courtesy of WBRC
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall is among 32 attorneys general calling on Equifax to drop fees it charges for...
Cullman Co. unemployment rate drops to 3.6 percent, second lowest in state for August
MONTGOMERY – Data available Thursday from the Alabama Department of Labor (ADOL) showed Cullman County’s preliminary August 2017 unemployment rate as 3.6 percent, a drop from 4.0 percent in July 2017 and 5.3 percent this same time last year. Only one county, Shelby, has...
Alabama AG Marshall warns against price gouging
MONTGOMERY - Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall on Saturday evening warned those who might exploit the ongoing bad weather for illegal profit that Alabama’s price gouging law, which was activated by Gov. Kay Ivey in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, remains in effect under...
Cullman Co. eligible for grant money to reclaim and develop abandoned coal mine sites
BIRMINGHAM – Cullman County is among those eligible for grant money to reclaim and develop abandoned coal mine land.
Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Wednesday that up to $10 million in federal grant money is available to the Alabama Department of Labor...
Ivey names Brian Hastings director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has named Brian Hastings director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency. Hastings recently retired, with the rank of colonel, from the United States Air Force.
“The recent events in Texas remind us of the importance of having a well-run and...
ADAI opens 4 livestock shelters in preparation for Hurricane Irma
MONTGOMERY – With expectations of Hurricane Irma making landfall in south Florida this weekend, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has been in contact with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES), Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA), Alabama Horse Council and the Florida Department...
ALEA issues safety advisory for roadways and waterways this Labor Day weekend
MONTGOMERY - Labor Day weekend, summer’s season finale, typically draws heavier-than-usual traffic on Alabama’s roadways and waterways.
“Safety is one of our top priorities throughout the year, but it’s especially important during extended holiday weekends, when so many want to enjoy one last seasonal road...
Cullman County student Nathan Duke receives endowed ag scholarship
Auburn University student and scholarship recipient Nathan Duke was recognized during the Alabama Farmers Federation 2017 Scholarship Recipients Luncheon Aug. 19 at the Ham Wilson Arena in Auburn. Duke studies poultry science, production track. The R.W. Donaldson Endowed Scholarship is named after a longtime...
ALDOT advises drivers about road safety during eclipse
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation is advising motorists to maintain safe driving behaviors during the solar eclipse on Monday, Aug. 21.
Drivers are urged to not pull over at unsafe locations, such as stopping on interstates or any roadways, to view the eclipse....
Good Hope student featured in 2018 Farm-City calendars
Cullman County’s Carson Smith received an honorable mention in the 2016 Alabama Farm-City Poster Contest during the organization’s annual luncheon and awards program in Birmingham April 6. Smith, who lives in Cullman, is a sixth-grader at Good Hope Middle School in Cullman. From left...
Cullman’s Lydia Haynes places in state sewing contest
Cullman County's Lydia Haynes won second place in the state Christmas tree skirt contest at the Alabama Farmers Federation's 45th Commodity Producers Conference Aug. 5 in Birmingham. Haynes was honored at the Women's Luncheon and was awarded $100. / ALFA Farmers
MONTGOMERY - Artistic expression...
Cullman’s Kyle Morris named finalist in State Discussion Meet
Cullman County’s Kyle Morris, left, is one of four finalists in the State Young Farmers Discussion Meet contest. Morris competed in the Discussion Meet first round with 16 other participants Aug. 5 at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 45th Commodity Producers Conference in Birmingham. Morris,...
AL Troopers need your vote
MONTGOMERY - It’s time again for the American Association of State Troopers’ annual Best Looking Cruiser Contest – and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) needs your vote!
During the contest, which began Friday, Aug. 4, everyone is encouraged to “like” the photo of ALEA’s...
Meet Lynn Beshear, new commissioner of Alabama Department of Mental Health
Alabama’s new State Mental Health Commissioner Lynn Beshear / Courtesy of M.D. Connection
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey in July appointed Lynn Beshear commissioner of the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
“I am honored to appoint Lynn Beshear as commissioner of the Department of Mental Health,”...
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 issue in desperate need of attention for some time in Alabama. Funding has been declining, bed space has been decreasing;...
2 Cullman women competing today for title of 2017 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home
Ms. Cleo McLeroy and Ms. Miriam Kelley / ANHA
MONTGOMERY - Two Cullman women are among the top 10 finalists for the 2017 Ms. Alabama Nursing Home Pageant, according to the The Alabama Nursing Home Association.
Ms. Folsom Center for Rehab & Healthcare, Miriam Kelley, 89...
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 Healthcare of Cullman Director Chris Van Dyke./ Courtesy of Randall Shedd
CULLMAN - On Thursday, State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview hosted...
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. / Images courtesy of Doug Jones for U.S. Senate and State of Alabama
MONTGOMERY - Voters have until July 31 to...
State unemployment rate drops to 4.6%; Cullman up slightly at 4.3%
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Labor Sec. Fitzgerald Washington announced recently that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted June unemployment rate is 4.6 percent, down from May’s rate of 4.9 percent, and significantly lower than June 2016’s rate of 5.8 percent.
Cullman’s rate...
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, which for many will fall in early August, the State of Alabama has moved its back-to-school sales tax holiday from...
Two missing Alabama children
Alert Type: Emergency Missing Child Alert
Alert Status: Active
Date Issued: 7/16/2017
The Calhoun County, Alabama Sheriff's Office is asking the public's assistance in locating Tianna Moore. Tianna Marie Moore was last seen in Alexandria, AL. If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Tianna Moore,...
Operation Southern Shield aims to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities in region
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will be teaming up with law enforcement offices throughout the state and the Southeast July 17-23 as part of a special traffic campaign to reduce the number of crashes, injuries and fatalities by ensuring...
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 - On Wednesday, July 5, Rev. James Fields, former state representative, posted a video to his Facebook page leading many...
ADPH warns of flesh-eating bacteria in AL waters
MONTGOMERY - Mobile County health officials have confirmed three cases of flesh-eating bacteria, or "vibrio vulnificus." WALA-TV reported that Barbara Gibbs with the Mobile County Health Department confirmed the cases.
"Gibbs, who oversees the Infectious Disease and Control Department, said one case was from an...
Alabama 6th poorest state in the U.S.; Cullman’s poverty rate is 19.4%
BIRMINGHAM - Statewide nonprofit group Alabama Possible (AP) recently released its 2017 Alabama Poverty Data Sheet, which highlights statewide poverty rates and data related to educational attainment, employment and food security.
According to the sheet, nearly 900,000 Alabamians live below the poverty line, which is...
Troopers investigating 8 traffic fatalities, 1 drowning for 4th of July travel period
Image: ALEA
MONTGOMERY – Three words for this year’s 4th of July holiday travel period: no seat belts.
Seat belts were available but not in use in seven of the eight deadly traffic crashes Alabama State Troopers are investigating from this year’s extended holiday weekend, which...
Special Election 2017: meet the candidates
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. / Images courtesy of Doug Jones for U.S. Senate and State of Alabama
CULLMAN - When U.S. Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions...
ALDOT: Top 2 ways to make 4th of July travel safe
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is asking drivers to do their part to make this a fatality-free 4th of July on Alabama highways. As an added precaution during the heavily-traveled holiday, ALDOT is doing its part for road safety by having...
Alabama ranks 1st nationally, having more opioid prescriptions than people
BIRMINGHAM – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is taking action to help address the opioid epidemic in Alabama.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alabama ranks highest in the nation as having more opioid prescriptions than people with Alabama...
