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...
AL farmers ask Congress to support agricultural conservation programs; 2 Cullman County farmers head to D.C.
Cullman County farmers Cody Rasco, left and Gregg DeBoer, right, met with Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama in Washington, D.C. last week. / NSAC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) hosted its second “farmer fly-in” of the fiscal year (FY) 2018...
Shedd appointed chair of new House Urban and Rural Development Standing Committee
Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview speaks at an event in Cullman earlier this year. / Andrew Cryer
MONTGOMERY - Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R - Monrovia on Monday announced that Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview will serve as chairman of the new House Standing Committee...
ALEA encourages parental involvement to prevent underage use of alcohol, tobacco
MONTGOMERY – Summer has officially arrived, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) reminds parents that since teens are out of school, they have more free time – often at home alone or with friends. What is to stop them from consuming alcoholic beverages...
“Operation Broken Heart IV” locks up child predators
MONTGOMERY - Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces around the country, including the Alabama Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, hosted by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), launched in April a two-month operation called, “Operation Broken Heart IV.” Operation Broken Heart IV...
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks has harsh words for Democrats at area Republican breakfast
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks talks about the American economy.
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Republican Party held its monthly breakfast meeting at the Cullman Elks Club Saturday morning, welcoming speakers from the Cullman County Commission, as well as the region’s state and federal legislative delegations. ...
Registration for 2017 alligator hunts now open- Alabama issuing 260 tags in four hunting zones
Photo courtesy of www.OutdoorAlabama.com: Amanda Stokes and her party (John Stokes, Savanah, Kevin and Parker Jenkins) from Thomaston, Alabama hauled in this 15-foot, 1011.5-pound gator from the waters near Millers Ferry Saturday morning, August 16, 2014. This is the largest gator to come out...
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...
Shedd appointed to House Republican Caucus Steering Committee
MONTGOMERY – House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, R- Rainsville on Wednesday announced that Rep. Randall Shedd, R- Fairview has been appointed as a member of the Republican Caucus Steering Committee, one of the highest leadership posts in the Caucus structure.
“The House Republican Caucus Steering...
Redstone Arsenal and NASA welcome first major piece of space exploration hardware since shuttle program
NASA spokespersons, in the foreground, show how large the engine section and tank simulator are.
HUNTSVILLE - Last week, a barge arrived at Redstone Arsenal, carrying what NASA calls a “test article” for its Space Launch System (SLS) that will help pave the way for...
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...
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...
City of Cullman, City Schools receive $400K in ARC grants, announces Gov. Ivey
MONTGOMERY - Improvements and enhancements are coming to seven Alabama communities with the help of $1.4 million in Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grants announced today by Gov. Kay Ivey. Of that total, a combined $400,000 was awarded to the City of Cullman and Cullman...
Gov. Ivey declares April 27, 2017, “A Day of Remembrance,” orders flags to half-staff
MONTGOMERY – In memory of the sixth anniversary of the 62 deadly tornadoes that struck Alabama on April 27, 2011, Gov. Kay Ivey has declared April 27, 2017, as a “Day of Remembrance.” The governor has also ordered flags across the state to be...
AL unemployment rate down to 5.8%; Cullman County state’s 3rd lowest at 4.5%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Sec. Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted March unemployment rate is 5.8percent, down from February’s rate of 6.2 percent, and below March 2016’s rate of 5.9 percent. Cullman County has the state’s third lowest rate,...
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. ...
Candid discussion: state and local officials take part in lively town hall forum
L to R: County Commissioner Kerry Watson, Alabama House Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter, Sheriff Matt Gentry, Rep. Randall Shedd, Rep. Corey Harbison, Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, County Commissioner Garry Marchman
HANCEVILLE - On a very busy day in Alabama politics,...
Lawmakers, leaders react to Bentley’s resignation, Ivey as new governor
ALABAMA - Reactions from lawmakers and leaders around the state are pouring in following the resignation of Alabama's 53rd governor, Robert Julian Bentley. Bentley resigned amidst allegations he covered up an affair with an aide and plead guilty to misdemeanor charges in relation to...
Kay Ivey sworn in as Alabama’s 54th governor
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Alabama Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey was sworn in as the state's 54th governor on Monday, April 10, following the resignation of Robert Bentley.
Ivey was elected in 2010 after holding the office of state treasurer for two terms.
The Auburn University graduate becomes the...
Gov. Bentley will resign, plead guilty to misdemeanor charges
MONTGOMERY, AL (WBRC) - Alabama's 53rd governor, Robert Julian Bentley, will resign from office amidst allegations he covered up an affair with an aide and will plead guilty to misdemeanor charges instead of felony charges in relation to those allegations.
Lt. Governor Kay Ellen Ivey will be...
ALGOP Steering Committee calls on Bentley to resign immediately
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) Steering Committee, in a resolution passed today, called upon Gov. Robert Bentley to step down from his office.
The resolution states:
The ALGOP Steering Committee calls upon Governor Robert Bentley to immediately resign.
The ALGOP Steering Committee also passed the...
Cullman County Farm-City Committee wins 5th statewide award
The Cullman County Farm-City Committee has once again been named the best in the state. For the fifth time, the committee received the Overall Best Farm-City Committee Award during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 6 in Birmingham. The group also received Division 1...
Shedd wants your input on proposed gas tax
MONTGOMERY - Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview on Thursday evening issued a statement on the proposed gas tax that was introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives the same day. Shedd is asking for input from his constituents on the matter. Below is his statement...
Bentley issues statewide State of Emergency in preparation for severe weather
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley on Tuesday declared a statewide State of Emergency in anticipation of severe weather moving through Alabama on Wednesday. The National Weather Service is forecasting a significant threat of severe weather to include destructive and long-track tornadoes, hail up to...
Shedd weighs in on HB 277, which seeks to end religious exemptions for daycares
MONTGOMERY - One bill currently causing waves in Montgomery is HB 277, The Child Care Safety Act. Right now, state law does not require religiously-affiliated daycares to be licensed or to undergo inspections. HB 277, introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives late last...
Commercial flock infected with avian influenza destroyed in Cullman County
MONTGOMERY - Yesterday, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) confirmed that low pathogenic H7N9 avian influenza was found in a Cullman County commercial breeder flock. Last night, that flock was destroyed, according to the ADAI.
Officials are still not confirming the exact location...
Alabama unemployment rate down slightly to 6.2%, Cullman down to 5.3%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted February unemployment rate is 6.2%, down from January’s rate of 6.4%, and above January 2016’s rate of 6.0%. February’s rate represented 2,067,042 people working, up from January’s count...
Low pathogenic bird flu confirmed in Cullman County
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) this morning confirmed that low pathogenic avian influenza has been found in a Cullman County commercial breeder flock.
"I can confirm that it has been found in Cullman County," said the ADAI's Daniel Autrey. "This...
(UPDATE) Data breach of America’s JobLink (AJL) affects Alabamians
UPDATED: Alabama: new call center operational; AJLA to offer credit monitoring services
NEW INFORMATION:
AJLA-TS has established a call center to answer questions from those who are affected. The toll-free number is 1-844-469-3939. The center is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (CST) Monday -...
Bird flu confirmed in 2 poultry flocks in Pickens and Madison Counties
MONTGOMERY - State Veterinarian, Dr. Tony Frazier, confirms that a flock of chickens at a commercial poultry breeding operation located in Pickens County and a backyard flock located in Madison County have both tested positive for low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI).
During routine screening, a...
Huge regional job fair in Huntsville March 21
HUNTSVILLE - The Alabama Career Center System, in partnership with WAFF 48 News and the City of Huntsville, will host a regional job fair on Tuesday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville (Von Braun Center,...
AL Dept. of Ag issues order banning exhibition and sale of poultry due to avian influenza concerns
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) has banned the sale of poultry due to concerns about avian influenza. ADAI Commissioner John McMillan on Wednesday issued an order (see below) banning the sale, exhibition or transportation of all types of poultry:
Due...
Stop Movement Order issued on certain poultry in Alabama amid 3 avian influenza investigations
MONTGOMERY — State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier in consultation with Commissioner John McMillan today issued a stop movement order for certain poultry in Alabama. “The health of poultry is critically important at this time,” said Frazier. “With three investigations of avian influenza in north...
Bird flu infects poultry at 3 sites in north Alabama
Update: http://www.cullmansense.com/articles/2017/03/14/stop-movement-order-issued-certain-poultry-alabama-amid-3-avian-influenza
(REUTERS) - Bird flu has infected poultry at three sites in northern Alabama shortly after being found at two farms in neighboring Tennessee, and more chickens have been culled to contain the virus, state and industry officials in Alabama said on Tuesday.
The cases...
Alabama’s unemployment rate rises to 6.4%; Cullman Co. among lowest at 5.7%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted January unemployment rate is 6.4%, up from December’s revised rate of 6.3%, and above January 2016’s rate of 6.1%. January’s rate represents 141,268 unemployed persons, compared to 137,875...
Workshop tomorrow in Cullman for huge job fair in Huntsville March 21
HUNTSVILLE – The Alabama Career Center System will host a series of job readiness workshops beginning Friday, March 10 and continuing through Thursday, March 16 at Career Centers and other locations located throughout the Huntsville area.
Staff from several area Career Centers will conduct the...
Details of 3-year bicentennial celebration announced
Left to right- Gov. Robert Bentley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Sen. Rusty Glover, R- Mobile and Carolyn Feltus (chairwoman of the Mobile Bicentennial Launch Committee) signing 1818 Alabama map in front of the Capitol at the bicentennial press conference.
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley...
Alabama employers among Freedom Award semifinalists
MONTGOMERY – Three Alabama employers are among 148 semifinalists for the 2017 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. They were selected from 3,064 nominations submitted by Guardsmen and Reservists.
The three employers are:
Team TSI, Albertville (small business)
Topre America Corp., Cullman (large business)
Phenix City Board of...
Bicentennial kickoff set for March 3
CULLMAN - Plans for the upcoming Alabama 200, three-year bicentennial celebration are taking shape.
The statewide kickoff for the event is March 3, 2017, when towns and cities all over the state will initiate the event in various ways. Cullman’s event will be held at...
Rep. Randall Shedd talks current legislative session
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Legislative Session began on Feb. 7. Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview (Alabama House District 11, which includes portions of Blount, Cullman, Marshall and Morgan Counties), spoke about some of the issues legislators are dealing with this month.
Impeachment
On Tuesday Shedd and Rep....
New impeachment resolution accuses Gov. Bentley of misusing campaign funds
Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Cullman and Gov. Robert Bentley
MONTGOMERY (WSFA) - A new impeachment resolution will be floated around the Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday, accusing Gov. Robert Bentley of misusing campaign funds and not following state law.
According to Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Cullman, the resolution will...
Bentley awards grant to assist elderly, disabled abuse victims
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $1.9 million grant to provide care services for elderly and disabled victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
The Alabama Department of Human Resources is using the funds to assist its Adult Protective Services program throughout the state....
Jeff Sessions confirmed as attorney general
Jeff Sessions testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Source: AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
(RNN) - The Senate has confirmed Sen. Jeff Sessions as U.S. Attorney General.
Sessions was confirmed by a vote of 52-47. He needed...
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to award grants to schools as part of its Be Healthy School Grant Program
BIRMINGHAM - In our commitment to help prevent childhood obesity, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is proud to continue its Be Healthy School Grant Program. For the 2017 -2018 school year, Blue Cross will make available $250,000 and award grants up to...
Gov. Bentley awards grant for advocate to assist abuse victims in Cullman, Winston counties
MONTGOMERY - Victims of domestic violence in Cullman and Winston counties will have access to specialized care and assistance with the help of a $10,238 grant awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley.
The grant will help Victim Services of Cullman continue offering the services of a...
State of the State: taxes, prisons and budget reform top topics
Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman, speaks at Friday's State of the State community luncheon
CULLMAN - Cullman County’s legislative delegation spoke to a packed house Friday at the State of the State luncheon, hosted by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce.
The All Steak restaurant’s meeting room...
AG Strange leads coalition calling on Trump to repeal broad expansion of definition of critical habitat for endangered species
MONTGOMERY - Attorney Gen. Luther Strange led a coalition of 14 states calling on the incoming Trump administration to immediately repeal two new rules pushed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service to broadly expand the definition of...
Alabama’s December unemployment rate 6.2%; Cullman’s 4.9%
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate is 6.2 percent, up from November’s revised rate of 5.9 percent, and below December 2015’s rate of 6.3 percent. December’s rate represents 136,409 unemployed persons,...
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...
Rep. Corey Harbison previews upcoming legislative session, says he doesn’t expect 3-cent gas tax to pass
CULLMAN - The Alabama House Republican Caucus met earlier this week to set an agenda for the upcoming legislative session. The group will release its official agenda in a few days, but Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope (House District 12) gave the Tribune a...
Local activist joins pro-life, pro-choice march in Birmingham
Pro-life and pro-choice activists converged on Brother Bryan Park in Birmingham on Saturday for the 2017 Birmingham March for Life.
BIRMINGHAM - The Greater Birmingham National Organization for Women (NOW) organized a protest to the 2017 Birmingham March for Life Saturday at Brother Bryan Park...
National Endowment for the Humanities grants target smaller Alabama communities; proposal deadline Feb. 15
BIRMINGHAM - A rare grant opportunity is being extended to grassroots humanities organizations across the state, and Alabama Humanities Foundation is urging communities to explore its potential.
In a vastly streamlined process, organizations will be able to apply for grants from the National Endowment for...
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...
Shedd: Let the people decide if they want a gas tax
CULLMAN - Yesterday, the Cullman County Commission voted to support a 3-cent per gallon gasoline tax to fund a $1.2 billion bond issue that would be distributed among Alabama’s 67 counties for road repairs. The tax would expire when the bonds are repaid.
The Association...
Alabama man, formerly of Cullman, pleads guilty to producing child pornography involving multiple victims
ALABAMA - An Alabama man pleaded guilty on Thursday, Jan. 5 to producing child pornography involving seven minor victims, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Joyce White Vance of the Northern District of Alabama.
Gregory...
ALDOT updates: state roads prepared, motorists urged to use ALGOTraffic.com
Crews from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) were out early Thursday morning applying liquid de-icer to Interstate 65 in Cullman County. Image courtesy of Matt Redmond.
HUNTSVILLE - Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) crews have prepared state highways and bridges to combat snow and...
Gov. Bentley declares state of emergency ahead of wintry weather, effective 7 a.m. Friday
MONTGOMERY– Governor Robert Bentley on Thursday issued a State of Emergency effective at 7 a.m. Friday for all Alabama counties in preparation for potential severe winter weather.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory and Winter Storm Watch for several Alabama counties...
Gov. Bentley has former rep Terry Spicer removed from state ABC job
REHOBETH, AL - According to a report from CBS WTVY in Dothan, a former state representative from Coffee County and convicted felon Terry Spicer was removed from his job with the Alcohol Beverage Control Board by Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday. Spicer received the...
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...
McDonald’s kicks off 5th annual Celebration of Creativity Art Contest
A winning entry from 2016's contest
BIRMINGHAM – McDonald’s of Central Alabama proudly announces the fifth year of the McDonald’s Celebration of Creativity Art Contest. To celebrate Black History Month 2017, 95.7 JAMZ, WBRC FOX6 and McDonald’s are asking students across central Alabama, including Cullman...
Aderholt on Electoral College: “The Founders’ system works”
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama on Monday released the following statement after attending the vote of Alabama’s nine members of the Electoral College where they cast their votes for Donald Trump and Mike Pence.
“I was both honored and humbled to be in...
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...
Gov. Bentley proclaims “CHRISTMAS SUNDAY: The Day Alabama Feeds Every Child”
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has signed a proclamation officially designating Dec. 25, 2016 as “CHRISTMAS SUNDAY: The Day Alabama Feeds Every Child.”
The signed document states, “We are making progress in ending child hunger in Alabama. In this holiday season and time of giving,...
Cold weather prompts fire safety reminders from state fire marshal
MONTGOMERY - Home heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths, injuries and property damage, and with bitter cold freezing temperatures and wind chills forecast for the next few days; your Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) offers a few...
Alabama AG Strange seeks to replace Sessions in Senate
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama Attorney General Luther Strange says he will seek the U.S. Senate seat left open if incumbent Jeff Sessions is confirmed to be attorney general under president-elect Donald Trump.
Gov. Robert Bentley would appoint Sessions' interim replacement until there's an election...
Drought emergency No Burn Order lifted statewide
MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley and Interim State Forester Gary Cole on Monday have rescinded the statewide Drought Emergency ‘No Burn’ Order which has been in effect since early November. Officials with the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) say the state has received enough rainfall...
Gov. Bentley awards $2.4 million for emergency housing assistance
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded $2.4 million in grants to help homeless Alabamians find immediate housing and to assist others who are in danger of becoming homeless. Included is a $204,150 grant for the Alabama Rural Coalition for the Homeless (ARCH), which...
Drought emergency ‘No Burn’ order to remain in effect statewide until further notice
MONTGOMERY - The statewide drought emergency ‘No Burn’ order declared by Gov. Robert Bentley in early November will remain in effect until conditions change sufficiently to reduce the occurrence and frequency of wildfires, according to the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC). In spite of a...
Alabama Department of Labor obtaining convictions for unemployment compensation fraud
MONTGOMERY – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Thursday that the department has successfully prosecuted several Alabamians for unemployment compensation fraud. The following individuals were charged with first-degree theft of property for violating the Alabama Unemployment Compensation Law by making false statements...
Rain brings short-term relief for wildland firefighters, but Alabama not out of drought yet
MONTGOMERY - Although rainfall amounts varied across the counties of the state last night, it is expected to give only short-term relief to the wildfires burning recently in Alabama. According to Interim State Forester Gary Cole of the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), there was...
ALGOP statement on Sen. Jeff Sessions’ nomination for U.S. attorney general
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama
MONTGOMERY - On Friday morning, President-elect Donald Trump announced that U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama will serve in his cabinet as U.S. Attorney General. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Terry Lathan issued the following statement on the nomination:
"The Alabama Republican Party is...
Shedd: We need to implement a hay transportation program now
CULLMAN - The current drought is really hurting the cattle industry in my legislative district and relief is no where in sight. This week, I met with numerous agribusiness officials in Montgomery, including Alabama Cattlemen Association officers to discuss ways to help cattle farmers...
Governor awards $242,004 to assist abuse victims in Cullman County
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a grant totaling $242,004 to support the nonprofit agency Victim Services of Cullman, which assists abuse victims in Cullman County.
The grants will help Victim Services of Cullman continue offering a crisis hotline, emergency shelter, counseling and other...
Governor Bentley expands drought emergency declaration to all Alabama counties
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley on Monday expanded the Drought Emergency Declaration to cover the entire state. Effective 3:00 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2016, all 67 counties in the state of Alabama have been placed under a ‘No Burn’ order, in which all outdoor...
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...
Aderholt statement on new FBI probe into Hillary Clinton’s private email server
WASHINGTON, D.C.- United States Rep. Robert Aderholt, R- Alabama on Friday released the following statement regarding the news the Federal Bureau of Investigation is reopening its investigation into Hillary Clinton’s private email server.
“I was not surprised to learn that the FBI has launched a...
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...
Zeigler: Wording of Amendment 6 does not inform voters that impeachment would become harder
Image credit: Mickey Welsh/The Montgomery Advertiser
MONTGOMERY – With two week to go before the election, State Auditor Jim Zeigler says the wording of Amendment 6 on the Nov. 8 ballot is “completely insufficient.”
“Voters cannot tell that it would make it almost impossible to impeach...
Case closed: AG Strange’s statement on former ALEA Sec. Spencer Collier
A special grand jury on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2016 declined to act on allegations against former Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Spencer Collier (pictured).
MONTGOMERY –This statement is being issued because substantial information related to the Attorney General’s investigation has been put in the...
ALDOT: Don’t veer for deer (and other tips)
MONTGOMERY – The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is warning drivers that the fall and winter months present an increased danger of vehicle collisions involving deer.
According to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, one reason for increased vehicle collisions with deer during...
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,...
Cullman among 28 counties placed under drought emergency
MONTGOMERY- Twenty-eight Alabama counties, including Cullman, have been placed under a drought emergency in the latest Alabama Drought Declaration issued Tuesday afternoon.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Office of Water Resources updated the declaration in accordance with the Alabama Drought Planning and...
Online hay listing now available for Alabama farmers in face of drought conditions
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in cooperation with the Alabama Agribusiness Council, the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Farmers Federation are launching an online hay listing to address the urgent need for hay that...
Gov. Bentley bans burning in 46 counties, including Cullman
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Robert Bentley on Wednesday signed a Drought Emergency Declaration due to extremely dry conditions. The declaration, often referred to as a ‘No Burn Order,’ prohibits all outdoor burning for 46 counties in north and central Alabama. The order is effective as...
North Alabama: AFC’S Fire Danger Warning upgraded to Fire Alert, effective immediately
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has upgraded the Fire Danger Warning, issuing a Fire Alert for 46 counties in north Alabama effective immediately. This order for Autauga, Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, Dallas, DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah,...
Fire Danger Warning issued for north Alabama- effective immediately
MONTGOMERY - Because extremely dry weather conditions and low humidity have combined to create an atmosphere favorable for wildfires, the Alabama Forestry Commission has issued a Fire Danger Warning for 46 Alabama counties effective immediately, until appreciable rainfall is received. These counties include: Autauga,...
McCutcheon announces members of House Driver’s License Review Committee
Photo: Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview
MONTGOMERY – Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon, R-Monrovia on Thursday announced the members of the House Interim Committee on Driver’s License Review. The committee was created by HR11 during the recent special session.
“Access to driver’s license offices and reduced...
Non-residential building permit fee, effective Oct. 1
ATTENTION CONTRACTORS: The State of Alabama has notified the City of Cullman that all non-residential permits issued by building departments will be subject to a fee of $1 per $1,000 of construction authorized. This fee will be sent to the State of Alabama: The...
Shedd weighs in on passage of BP legislation, Mac McCutcheon
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley signed a compromise bill on Thursday to use Alabama’s BP settlement funds to pay off a portion of the state’s debt, fund Medicaid and improve roads in Baldwin and Mobile Counties.
The Alabama Legislature gave final approval to the bill...
Aderholt remarks on 15th anniversary of September 11th attacks
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R- Alabama today released the following statement regarding the 15th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on America.
“It’s hard to believe it has been 15 years since that dark day in our nation’s history. I...
Zeigler says new Medicaid BP money already lost to the Feds as Alabama fails audits
FAIRHOPE, ALA. – The Alabama legislature just passed a bill to use $120 million of the BP settlement to fill a shortfall in the state’s Medicaid budget.
But Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler says “Alabama will lose $101 million of that money because it failed...
Zeigler says new Medicaid BP money already lost to the Feds as Alabama fails audits
FAIRHOPE, ALA. – The Alabama legislature just passed a bill to use $120 million of the BP settlement to fill a shortfall in the state’s Medicaid budget.
But Alabama State Auditor Jim Zeigler says “Alabama will lose $101 million of that money because it failed...
Brooks’ Place, the Child Advocacy Center of Cullman awarded nearly $200,000
CULLMAN - Brooks’ Place, the Child Advocacy Center of Cullman, a nonprofit center that serves child abuse victims in Cullman County, recently received a $187,161 grant, awarded by Gov. Robert Bentley through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
“These are competitive grants,”...
ADEM: Mulberry Fork has returned to “pre-spill” conditions
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) said on Tuesday it has concluded its investigation into the release of hundreds of gallons of sulfuric acid from American Proteins in Hanceville last Wednesday that reached the Mulberry Fork resulting in a fish kill.
“While...
Sen. Paul Bussman withdraws from Senate GOP caucus over handling of lottery bill
MONTGOMERY - Sen. Paul Bussman has left the Senate GOP caucus over the Senate's handling of a state lottery bill, Senate Bill 11.
"As a Republican, I have strongly support(ed) the Republican mission of fiscal responsibility, limited government and personal freedom." said Bussman in a...
Shedd: BP legislation could mean $70 million for Medicaid and put Highway 157 project on top of state’s list
MONTGOMERY - The Alabama House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a compromise bill to distribute funds from the settlement with BP over the 2010 Gulf oil spill. Today, the bill was approved by the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee. Next it will be sent...
UPDATED with response from American Proteins- ADEM investigating release of sulfuric acid into Mulberry Fork
UPDATED Aug. 19 at 4:58 p.m.:
The president of American Proteins, Mark Ham, has just given us this statement:
"On Wednesday, August 17, 2016, the Company’s Hanceville facility experienced a spill from its sulfuric acid tank. The Company promptly notified the appropriate agencies and has been...
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...
Governor announces grant to assist small businesses in Appalachian counties, including Cullman
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has announced a $400,000 grant to establish a loan fund focusing on small businesses in Appalachian Alabama.
The grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will be used in a joint effort by Pathway Lending of Nashville and the Alabama...
Bentley awards funds to upgrade equipment; keep roads safe
MONTGOMERY - Gov. Robert Bentley has awarded a $601,189 grant to improve Alabama’s continued efforts to take unsafe drivers off the road.
The grant will enable the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences to purchase 50 evidential breath testing devices which law enforcement officers use to...
