Home 2018
Archives
‘Thousands of employees affected’
Cullman Economic Development Agency Dale Greer: “These are very quick assessments and I believe there will be many more damage reports. Thousands of employees...
Wallace State hosts professional women’s forum on leadership
Maci Key, right, talks about her experience as a student in a traditionally male field, while Shirley Quattlebaum, left, looks on. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE...
Hanceville council grapples with closing of city pool; estimate for splash pad shoots up...
The Hanceville City Council spent most of its meeting discussing the fate of the city’s public pool. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - At Thursday evening’s...
Cullman mayor releases preliminary city property storm damage list
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs / photo courtesy of the City of Cullman
CULLMAN - On Thursday afternoon, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs shared a preliminary listing...
CCBOE moves to speed repairs to facilities, vehicles
The Cullman County School Board held a brief special session on Thursday to speed up the process to repair property damaged in Monday’s storm....
NWS Huntsville: March 19 hail storm of historical magnitude
National Weather Service Huntsville staffers measured the circumference of the largest hailstone at 13.75 inches. / W.C. Mann
This would be the largest hailstone on...
What’s happening in Montgomery: Cullman County legislative update
Left to right: Sen. Paul Bussman and Reps. Corey Harbison and Randall Shedd pictured at event in Cullman on Nov. 30, 2017. / W.C....
Hanceville completes phase 1 of ACE accreditation
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail introduces Joey Hester, who heads up the city’s ACE team, at Tuesday's meeting. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - The city of...
United Way establishes relief fund for Cullman area residents affected by Monday’s storms
Update 3-21-18 at 11:10 a.m. We have just spoken to the United Way of Cullman County. As we reported, they do have a fund....
Cullman Fire Station No. 3 ribbon cutting postponed due to storms, aftermath
Cullman Fire Rescue was set to cut the ribbon on Fire Station 3 today, but it was postponed due to the weather. / Brian...
Hanceville celebrates Irish heritage
Hanceville held its first Irish Heritage Celebration on Saturday. The city hopes to make it an annual event. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - On Saturday,...
Alleged human trafficking victims appear at Hames’s hearing
The alleged victims of Cullman attorney Randy Hames came to the hearing as a group, wearing matching shirts emblazoned with a barcode, which has...
Preventive Action of Cullman: increasing awareness of mental health issues, resources
CULLMAN - When it saw the increased number of suicides in Cullman County in 2017, a small group of concerned citizens started looking for...
CCBOE thanks school resource officers, approves more than $2M in facility improvements
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette poses with Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry and the system’s School Resource Officers Thursday at the Cullman County...
Colony talks summer programs, storm shelter, finances
The Colony Town Council met on Tuesday night. / W.C. Mann
COLONY - At its regular meeting Tuesday evening, the Colony Town Council heard about...
Bearcat Band gets new uniforms
Cullman High School Bearcat Band members model the band’s new uniforms. / Photo courtesy Mary Hovater/CHS Band Boosters/CHS “Southerner”
CULLMAN - After years of fundraising...
What is human trafficking?
(Left to right) Kenneth Woods, Stefanie Weaver and Randy Hames have all been charged with human trafficking crimes in Cullman County in the last...
Cullman Caring for Kids director talks advocacy, seasonal food bank needs
Cullman Caring for Kids Director Javon Daniel in the CCK food pantry / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Two years ago, an average of 550 families...
Cullman High holds ‘Safety Summit’ to share plans, procedures for school threats
Panelists listen as Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper talks about police response procedures. L-R Joey Orr, John Anderson, Jason Neal, Chris Branham, Gail Swafford...
A roaring good time: West Point High’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’
Wardrobe (Jamie Myers), Cogsworth (Brendan Williamson), Chip (Parker Lawrence), Mrs. Potts (Kim Harbison) and Lumiere (Micah Coucke) get ready for dinner. / W.C Mann,...
Cullman’s workforce: advantages of tight labor market
Dale Greer / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN - When lots of people are working and unemployment rates drop way down, that’s known as a tight...
Sneak peek of Cullman’s Fire Station No. 3
Chief Edward Reinhardt took The Tribune on a tour of Cullman Fire Rescue’s newest station on Alabama Highway 157. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Cullman...
‘Service above self’: Cullman Rotary holds annual auction
Guests look over items in the live auction Friday night. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Cullman Rotary Club held its 45th annual fundraising auction...
Fields addresses local Democrats; strong words on Bussman, school shootings
James Fields talks to county Democrats about his campaign and various platform issues on Thursday night in Cullman. / W.C. Mann
Updated 3-9-18 at 11...
CCSO hosts regional self-defense training course
SSGT President Johnny Lee Smith (black shirt) talks about common physical confrontations encountered by law enforcement officers. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - From Wednesday through...
Rock the South: lineup, security and Heritage Park
CULLMAN - Rock the South (RTS) will return to Cullman June 1-2 with an impressive lineup of stars. Headliners Thomas Rhett and Eric Church...
Pet of the Week: help Jade find her forever home
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to our Pet of the Week Jade, an adult shepherd/husky mix. She’s laid...
Bussman talks current term, his hopes for next
Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman is up for re-election this year. Bussman said his main accomplishments have been in economic development, infrastructure and education. If...
Cullman council moves forward on AGCOR Steel
Good Hope Mayor Jerry Bartlett talks to the Cullman City Council about an incentive plan to re-locate AGCOR Steel to Good Hope. The plan...
West Point band’s 35th annual Stars and Stripes Rodeo funds the arts
Three little cowboys look on at this weekend’s Stars and Stripes Rodeo. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Friday and Saturday evenings, the West Point...
Chicken dinner Sunday to support Holly Pond Band
Holly Pond High School 2017-18 Bronco Band / Courtesy Holly Pond HS/Facebook
HOLLY POND - Sunday is a bad time for poultry in Holly Pond,...
Cullman Lions’ annual Fish and Ham Dinner a hit
Lions and Leos form a meal assembly line in the Cullman Middle School lunchroom for Saturday’s annual Fish and Ham Dinner. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN...
Workforce solutions: confronting local housing shortage
CULLMAN - As Cullman continues to grow, finding its workforce and population places to live is becoming more of a challenge. Even the Cullman...
Hanceville business leaders brainstorm with Chamber, Economic Development
Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Business Development Brian Poole and Cullman County Economic Development Director Cherrie Haney listen to Hanceville business and...
4-way stop now in place at dangerous Hanceville intersection
New stop signs greet motorists approaching Edmondson Road on Alabama Highway 91. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Crews from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT)...
Old-fashioned games help Cullman Primary School earn ‘School of Distinction’ honor
Old-fashioned games helped Cullman City Primary School earn the "School of Distinction" honor. / Cullman Primary School
CULLMAN - On Monday, Cullman City Primary School...
McMillan makes campaign stop in Cullman
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan made campaign stop in Cullman Thursday. McMillan is running for state treasurer. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN -...
Cullman Regional unveils new fifth floor
On Tuesday, Feb. 27, 2018, Cullman Regional officially opened its newly-constructed fifth floor with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Tuesday afternoon,...
Pet of the Week: help Marla find her forever home
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to this week’s Pet of the Week: Marla, a 1-year-old female red tick...
Focus on Cullman’s workforce
"Keeping it Real" class at Holly Pond High School / Cullman Economic Development Agency
CULLMAN - Around Cullman, recent business growth and the increasing number...
Hanceville business leaders, local mayors discuss growth with Gudger
Cullman City Council President and 2018 Alabama Senate candidate Garlan Gudger, left, took part in a meeting on Monday with Hanceville business leaders, Hanceville...
Curt’s Closet to open this Thursday
Curt’s Closet was packed with visitors during its open house Sunday afternoon. It will open to the public on Thursday, March 1. / W.C....
United Way of Cullman County celebrates ‘Publix Appreciation Day’ after $57K donation
United Way of Cullman County Executive Director Sammie Danford, Publix Manager Eric McCord and United Way of Cullman County Assistant Director Becky Goff /...
City celebrates 30 years as ‘Tree City USA’
On Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, along with area students, members of the city’s tree commission and the Alabama Forestry Commission,...
‘It’s not a joke anymore’
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, left, and Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, right, speak to reporters at a Friday morning press conference. /...
UPDATED: Vinemont senior charged with making terrorist threat
Emily Nicole Wilson, left, was arrested Thursday night and charged with making a terrorist threat. On the right is the text message she allegedly...
Arrest made in Hanceville car break-ins; council gets update on Officer Jason Hare
Suspect Seth Burney was captured after a foot chase by Hanceville Police Officer Nathan Trimble. / Hanceville Police Department
HANCEVILLE - During a fairly uneventful...
BREAKING: Source of threat to Good Hope High School identified
Image shows online threat made to Good Hope High School Wednesday night. / Courtesy of Cullman County Schools
CULLMAN - The source of an anonymous...
Cullman County, City Schools under increased security due to online threats
LATEST: Source of Good Hope threat identified.
CULLMAN COUNTY - Both Cullman County Schools and Cullman City Schools will have increased security Thursday, following online...
Pet of the Week: help laid-back Task find her forever home
CULLMAN - Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to our Pet of the Week:
“Task is a female Weimaraner/Lab mix who is approximately...
Newest Sheriff’s Citizens’ Academy class in session
Korean War veteran/POW Norman Hale addressed the opening session of the Cullman County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy Tuesday evening. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The...
Fighting the ‘right fight’: Good Hope teen reaches out to children of drug addicts
13-year-old Tripp Taylor speaks at Daystar Church. / Courtesy of Taylor family
GOOD HOPE - When Robert Taylor lost his sister Ashley Taylor to a...
West Point council back to business after recent controversy
The West Point Town council met Monday, Feb. 19. / W.C. Mann
WEST POINT - After confusion over the wording of an online report about...
Security Check: Hanceville Schools review security plans with police, sheriff’s office
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, standing, addresses members of the Hanceville Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff's Office, Hanceville Fire and Rescue and others, including...
Chief Culpepper celebrates 40 years with Cullman Police
Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, right, received a custom-made 40-year pin, presented by Councilman and Public Safety Committee Chairman Andy Page, and a standing...
County schools see increase in attendance after flu shutdown
CULLMAN COUNTY - Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette reported on Wednesday that attendance numbers are up system-wide for both students and staff after...
Cullman native challenging Robert Aderholt for US House seat
Cullman native Anthony Blackmon is challenging incumbent US Rep. Robert Aderholt for his seat in the US House of Representatives. / Photo Courtesy Anthony...
Residents vote to establish town of Berlin
When the community center reopened after the vote count, Patrick Bates, who has led the two-year effort to incorporate Berlin, spoke briefly to reporters....
It’s a yes: Berlin residents vote to incorporate
BERLIN - Two years of planning came to fruition today, with the residents of Berlin voting to incorporate their community to become the town...
City moves closer to more loft apartments; new traffic lights going up on Hwy....
Council President Pro Tem Jenny Folsom, Councilman Clint Hollingsworth and Mayor Woody Jacobs at Monday night's Cullman City Council meeting / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN -...
TRIBUNE EXCLUSIVE: Garlan Gudger, Jr. talks state senate run
Southern Accents owner and Cullman City Council President Garlan Gudger, Jr. is challenging incumbent Alabama Sen. Paul Bussman, R- Cullman for the Alabama District...
City of Cullman honors police, firefighters and CHS Theatre
Members of Cullman Fire Rescue were among those honored at Monday night’s Cullman City Council meeting. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At its regular meeting...
Pet of the Week: help Lewis find his forever home
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to this week’s Pet of the Week, Lewis.
He’s a mixed-breed dog whom Ruttkay...
Countdown on for Berlin incorporation vote
Patrick Bates talks to a visitor about the advantages of an incorporated Berlin. Berlin residents head to the polls on Tuesday. / W.C. Mann
BERLIN...
Colony council swears in 2 new members
L-R: Colony Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Curtis Johnson, Mayor Donnis Leeth and new council members Mary Parker and Samuel Ashford. / Photo courtesy...
Local hotel employees trained to spot signs of human trafficking
Kathy Wilson displays tattoos commonly used to “brand” victims of trafficking. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - This week, employees of Cullman’s Hampton Inn met at...
Night to Shine: special needs community enjoys magical night
A guest and his date arrive at the Night to Shine Prom Friday night at Fairview: the Grace Place. / W.C. Mann
FALKVILLE - On...
Topre announces $80M expansion; Ivey in Cullman
Gov. Kay Ivey and Topre America President Hideo Shimizu cut the ribbon on Topre’s new building, and celebrated the company’s newly-announced $80 million expansion...
Chamber reception celebrates local industry, economic success
Dale Greer, director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency, asked County Economic Development Director Cherrie Haney to join him as he talked about their...
Berlin incorporation vote less than a week away
Berlin residents at one of the first meetings held about the possibility of incorporation, back in April 2016. / Tribune file photo
BERLIN - In...
County schools closed remainder of week due to flu; city schools monitoring situation
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, seen here on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018, made the decision to close county schools Thursday and Friday. /...
Planning commission recommends 1 annexation, rejects another
Patrick Reid of ForeSite Towers answers a commission question about his company’s changes to an existing cell phone tower at this week’s City of...
Pet of the Week: Esther looking for her forever home
CULLMAN - The Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to this week’s Pet of the Week, a 1-year-old female Aussie mix named...
Cullman Middle School’s Jessie Godbee wins 2018 County Spelling Bee
Jessie Godbee with her parents David Godbee and Tanya Davis / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday evening, Cullman County Schools hosted the 91st annual...
Colony kicks off Black History Month with ‘Celebration of Life’
Colony Councilwoman Ethel Alexander helped plan and put on Colony’s celebration. / W.C. Mann
COLONY - On Sunday afternoon, the town of Colony kicked off...
Area band students qualify for All State and District honor bands
Hanceville High School’s Taylor Gable made District Honor Band, and Xander Williamsen qualified for All State Band. / Photo courtesy Steven Porter
CULLMAN COUNTY - Five...
CHS teacher chosen to review proposals for upcoming foreign language conference
Cullman High School’s Sara McCutcheon has been chosen to review proposals for presentations at the 2018 ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo in...
Crafty Falkville couple with Cullman roots gains national attention
Paige and Brian Greer set up The Fun Company tent every year at Cullman’s Bloomin’ Festival.
FALKVILLE - Cullman natives Brian and Paige Greer enjoy...
Crowds turn out for CHS Jazz Band Big Band Dance
CULLMAN - On Friday evening, the Cullman High School Jazz Band played on at the 22nd annual Big Band Dance. Plenty of CHS students...
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...
West Point sweeps 2018 Cullman Co. Scholars’ Bowl Tournament; 3 schools qualify for state...
West Point High School posted this photo of its team to the school’s Twitter page, with a note that the team has won the...
(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...
Sequence Health cuts ribbon on new medical call center in Cullman
Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer and Sequence Health CEO John Richmond at the front door of the new Cullman facility / W.C....
Driver hits gas meter at Jet-Pep, prompting evacuation
The scene at the Jet-Pep at the intersection of Alabama Highways 69 and 157 Wednesday night, after a car hit a natural gas meter...
CCBOE superintendent: please keep sick kids home
CULLMAN - Like seemingly every other institution these days, Cullman County’s schools are being hit hard by the flu. On Wednesday evening, County Superintendent...
Pet of the Week: Help Ernest T. find his forever home
CULLMAN - Donna Ruttkay introduces us to the Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Pet of the Week.
Ernest T. is a Rottweiler mix, smaller than average...
Election qualification update
CULLMAN - Here’s an updated list of candidates who’ve qualified to run in the 2018 general election. The Tribune’s previous list included candidates who...
Gentry kicks off 2018 campaign in style
Sheriff Gentry addresses the crowd to kick off his re-election campaign on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018 at the Cullman Civic Center. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN...
‘Camp Rock’: West Point, Fairview join forces for countywide production
Ty Parker, director of bands and head of the performing arts department at West Point High School, is joining forces with Fairview High School’s...
Cullman Regional, by the numbers
Cullman Regional hosted its 2018 State of the Hospital Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Cullman Regional held its State...
PROFILES IN FAITH: A little food and a lot of love: Vinemont Baptist Church’s...
Vinemont Baptist Church’s Dr. Jane Teeter, left, and Lucille Greenwood, right, coordinate the 3rd Saturday Café ministry. / W.C. Mann
VINEMONT - They call it...
Hanceville votes to close city pool
HANCEVILLE - The Hanceville City Council on Thursday voted to close the city pool immediately. It also mulled changes to the City’s communication system...
Hanceville chief gives more details on inmate’s escape, officer’s condition
Hanceville Police Chief Bob Long explains to the city council the circumstances of Justin McCoy Booth’s escape and recapture, and the car crash that...
Ming Enterprises bringing 3 new restaurants to Cullman’s south side
Architectural renderings of the future Cullman Row East (top), current site of the old Cullman Chrysler Dodge dealership, and Cullman Row West (bottom), current...
Vinemont students hear, accept Rachel’s Challenge
After the assembly, a banner reading “I Accept Rachel’s Challenge” was signed by Vinemont students who pledged to participate in the program. / W.C....
Colony fills 2 vacant council seats; announces ‘Celebration of Colony’ event
Colony Mayor Donnis Leeth, right, seen here at the Cullman Regional State of the Hospital Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018 / W.C. Mann
COLONY...
Cullman Regional CEO shares positive outlook in yearly report
Cullman Regional CEO James Clements addresses the audience at this year’s State of the Hospital Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 24. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN -...
Pet of the Week: help Charley find his forever home
CULLMAN - Donna Ruttkay of the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to Charley, the featured pet of the week.
“Sweet Charley is a neutered...
Rachel’s Challenge: Vinemont hosting anti-bullying event Wednesday night
VINEMONT - Vinemont High School is fighting bullying and violence head on. On Wednesday, the school will host an event, Rachel’s Challenge, and hopes...
Local churches, agencies hope to see homeless shelter for men in Cullman area
The Cullman area currently has no homeless shelters for men. A group of local churches and agencies is working to change that. / Image...