Home 2017
Archives
‘The Science of Alabama History’
CHS coach and science (and now history) teacher Kyle Morris / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Monday morning, representatives of communities and organizations across north...
Pet of the Week: Avalon is searching for her forever home
Avalon is a 5-month-old female heeler mix. / Cullman County Animal Shelter
Ryan Whisenhunt from the Cullman County Animal Shelter introduces us to Avalon, a...
Change of leadership at Topre
Topre America accepts a plaque at the Japan America Society of Alabama annual dinner May 19, 2016 for the $8.5 million expansion at the...
Commission gets earful on special events district expansion; amendment heads to city council
Downtown Merchants’ Association advisor Ron Pierce defends the expansion of the downtown special events district. The expansion will now go before the Cullman City...
125th annual singing convention draws capacity crowd to courthouse
Music comes from all directions as the song leader directs from the center. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Over the weekend, Cullman celebrated what has...
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...
Downtown and Warehouse District merchants gearing up for ‘Celebrate Cullman’
2nd Fridays events are a big draw downtown during the summer months. / Andrew Cryer
We’ve really got a vibrant downtown, and we don’t want...
CCBOE names AHSAA’s Wanda Gilliland first district-wide athletic director
Wanda Gilliland, who retired from the AHSAA in June, is set to be named the first-ever district-wide athletic director for Cullman County Schools. /...
Still on top: Cold Springs FFA String Band wins 2nd state title
The band with their prize banner after the competition / Brad Murray
BREMEN - Earlier this summer, students from around the state gathered in Montgomery...
McKenzie ASA Classic archery tournament returning to Cullman for next 3 years
CULLMAN - Nathan Anderson of Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) and Mike Tyrell of the Archery Shooters Association (ASA) recently signed an agreement that...
Milo’s is back! Burger chain returns to Cullman
Milo’s corporate HQ in Birmingham was well represented: (L-R) Vice President of Operations Liz Smith, CEO Tom Dekle, Marketing Manager Mary Duncan Proctor, and...
125th annual singing convention coming to courthouse this weekend
This year’s convention is receiving special attention as part of the state’s bicentennial celebration.
CULLMAN - On Saturday, July 8 and Sunday, July 9, the...
Brick Haven fire exposes weakness in water system; Co. water dept. responds
Firefighters on the scene of the fully-involved blaze at Brick Haven on July 1 were frustrated with the available water pressure. This photo shows...
Desperation Church treats community to fireworks, much more
Patriots of all ages came dressed in their best red, white and blue. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - Many came out for the fireworks, but...
The national anthem: all of it
The Ft. McHenry flag / Smithsonian Institution
CULLMAN - We hear it at almost every high school, college and professional sporting event, at least most...
4th of July safety: be smart around fireworks
CULLMAN COUNTY - Independence Day is almost upon us. It’s a time for parades, family get-togethers, cookouts, and of course, fireworks. And that’s where...
Inside the new CCSO training center
Capt. Mark Persall, Lt. Rex Sorrow and Lt. Jeff Clemons in the main room of the training center / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The Cullman...
AL Sec. of State Merrill holds voter registration and ID drive at Whitlock’s General...
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...
Helping hand: Hanceville leaders, personnel turn out to protect home from rising flood water
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, second from left, called the city to action to help community member Lynda Brown. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - On Friday...
Vacated Colony council seat remains open
COLONY - The Colony Town Council is still trying to fill the vacancy created by the departure of Myra Twitty in early May. At...
CCBOE recognizes area businesses and industries for support
State Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview and Cullman Regional’s Lindsey Dossey / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - The close relationship between the Cullman County Board of Education...
No longer a 4-lane: new lanes causing confusion on Hwy 278 E
Some eastbound motorists are confusing the St. Bernard turn lane (between double yellow lines) for the passing lane that previously began just up the...
Drug trafficking defendants sue county officials: Sheriff responds
CULLMAN - A group of Cullman County drug trafficking defendants have filed a class action civil rights lawsuit in the U.S. District Court against...
“Too good to be true” Sheriff warns WaLLi class about scams
Sheriff Gentry addresses the WaLLi class at Wallace State on Wednesday, June 28, 2017. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry visited...
“Absolutely fantastic!”
Image credit: TSM at the Rock on Facebook
CULLMAN - Earlier this month, a mix-up with the delivery of a large supply of donated food...
Hanceville FD training a popular draw, not just for firefighters
Firefighters take time out of a busy training day to welcome young visitors. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Hanceville Fire Station No. 1 was a...
County Commission questioned by accident victim’s spouse about conditions on County Road 222
Julian Morris, left, talks with County Engineer John Lang after Tuesday morning's commission meeting. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - County Road 222 has become infamous...
Council recognizes firefighter, EMT of the year, bids farewell to 2 fire department veterans
Cullman Fire Rescue Chief Edward Reinhardt, Firefighter of the Year Lt. Jason Lamb with his son Nathan, EMT of the Year Chase Cornell, and...
City school board awards achievements, introduces new faculty members
Cullman Middle School Principal Lane Hill, with Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson, accepts an award naming his school a 2017 National Beta School of Merit....
7th annual radKIDS Summer Safety Camp kicks off Monday
CPD DARE Officer Cindy Rohrscheib with a participant in last year's radKIDS camp / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN - From June 26-30, the Cullman Police...
Cullman officially welcomes its first escape game venue
Cullman officially welcomed Escape Cullman to town with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, June 22. / Photo courtesy of the Cullman Area Chamber of...
Hanceville mayor gives update on Confederate monuments; Met-South ready to build
Hanceville has added $119,000 in revenue this year from the City’s half-cent sales tax enacted in December. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - Mayor Kenneth Nail...
“It’s not about hate.” Hanceville mayor talks Confederate monuments and potential costs
Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail wants New Orleans’ Confederate monuments. / W.C. Mann
HANCEVILLE - White supremacist Dylann Roof’s 2015 murder of nine members of the...
Cullman EMA keeping an eye on Tropical Storm Cindy
Image shows Tropical Storm Cindy’s projected path, as of 7 a.m. Thursday morning. / NOAA National Hurricane Center
CULLMAN - The current weather situation in...
Return to the Great Smoky Mountains: Gatlinburg
New attractions like the “tree-based” family adventure park Anakeesta are appearing along Gatlinburg’s main thoroughfares. / W.C. Mann
GATLINBURG - Right in the heart of...
Topre America expanding operation: larger facility, new jobs
On Tuesday, April 12, 2016, 100 participants from the 2016 National Arc Welding Conference visited Topre Corporation in Cullman. / Tribune File Photo
CULLMAN -...
Garden City council still shaken by loss of Councilman Gene Norman
Norman’s name plate still hangs in front of his empty seat in town hall. / W.C. Mann
GARDEN CITY - At Monday evening’s meeting, the...
Colony summer kids’ program going strong; efforts to fill empty council seat stall
Last week, students got to construct an electronic circuit to power a light. / Patricia Ponder
COLONY - The latest Colony Town Council meeting included...
Return to the Great Smoky Mountains: Pigeon Forge
A panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park along the south side of Gatlinburg shows evidence of substantial recovery in both the...
State back-to-school sales tax holiday moves up to July
Image courtesy of the Alabama Retail Association
CULLMAN - To make sure that everyone can do their shopping before the start of the school year,...
Check out Elevate Cullman, area’s newest women’s fitness studio
Instructors Morgan Moore, Rachel Eidson and Rachel McPhillips / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - It’s an exercise place, and it’s next door to the Duchess Bakery,...
City school board approves contract for CMS storm damage repairs
The Cullman City School Board met early Wednesday morning at a special called meeting. / W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - At a special called meeting early...
Cullman hosting Dept. of Homeland Security human trafficking training event
CULLMAN - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as “a form of modern-day slavery, and involves the use of force, fraud,...
For Curt: friends and family gather to celebrate life of CHS student Curt Wilson
Guests were asked to sign a “CW” for Curt’s mother, Ashley Wilson./ W.C. Mann
CULLMAN - On Sunday afternoon, the Cullman Elks Lodge was the...
New CEDA director Dale Greer reflects on transition
Dale Greer / Cullman Economic Development Agency
I see Cullman continuing to grow, continuing to prosper. I think we’ll be very progressive, but I think...
City Parks and Recreation urges patience for Heritage Park repairs
The Heritage Park soccer fields some time prior to this year's Rock the South/ Cullman Parks and Recreation
We want to reassure you that Heritage...
Tractor and engine show hot topic of quiet Hanceville council meeting
Display at the 2015 show / City of Hanceville
HANCEVILLE - With Mayor Kenneth Nail out of town, the Hanceville City Council held its regular...
Brad Meeks, insurance companies answer charges in Curt Wilson wrongful death suit
Editor's note: This story has been updated (see italicized text) to provide clarity. 6-13-17
CULLMAN - On May 18, Ashley Wilson, mother of Curtis James...
“Street Outlaws” fans: the Reaper is coming to Baileyton this Saturday
The heavily modified 1968 Camaro, SS “Reaper,” will be in Baileyton this Saturday./ Reaper SS on Facebook
BAILEYTON - The Discovery Channel show “Street Outlaws”...
Cullman welcomes Champion Sports Medicine with official ribbon cutting
Cullman Center Manager Lisa Armstrong and property owner/developer Roy Drinkard
CULLMAN - On Wednesday morning the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, along with Mayor Woody Jacobs...
Delivery mix-up leaves Cullman Caring for Kids scrambling for summer resources
Empty and nearly empty shelves in the Cullman Caring for Kids pantry could spell disaster for needy families in the Cullman area.
CULLMAN - Summer...
Hanceville’s Knapsacks for Kids program reflects on busy school year
Staff and volunteers pray together before getting to work.
HANCEVILLE - The school year has officially come to a close, and the staffers and volunteers...
Good Samaritans: Lowe’s employee and CPD go above and beyond to aid stranded Rock...
Lowe’s Associate Jeremy McKenzie works on a stranded RTS fan’s electric wheelchair.
CULLMAN - Much has been said about the problems that the rain caused...
South Plaza site plans approved by Cullman City Planning Commission
CULLMAN - On Monday evening the Cullman City Planning Commission met before a larger than normal crowd to consider eight subdivision measures and three...
Annual farm tour invites kids to meet what they eat
CULLMAN - On June 14-15, the North Alabama Agriplex will again offer its original summer educational program Touring Farms for Kids.
Director Rachel Dawsey talked...
Huntsville developer makes move into Cullman with South Plaza project
Artist’s conception of South Plaza shopping center
CULLMAN - Samples Properties is a real estate development company that has enjoyed success in the Huntsville area,...
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...
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette reflects on his 1st year on the job
Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette has just completed his first year on the job.
My biggest thing is I don’t want there to be...
Exclusive preview: Inside Escape Cullman
Escape Cullman is located in the old Channel 2 office in downtown Cullman.
CULLMAN - Escape Cullman, the area’s first escape game venue, will open...
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...
City and county schools bid farewell to many teachers and staff; 2 principals swap...
CULLMAN - The Cullman City and County School Boards have released end-of-year statements concerning personnel movements, including more than 30 retirements from the county...
Gearheads: check out Hanceville Fire Department’s new Gator ATV
New Gator ATV: On the driver’s side, firefighters can access hoses and pumps, as well as water and foam tanks.
HANCEVILLE - After several months...
Cullman honors those who gave their lives in service to their country
Local veterans place a wreath at the Veterans’ Park World War I monument.
CULLMAN - Veterans’ Park at Sportsman Lake was the site of solemn...
Local law enforcement officers: how I got here and what it means to me
Cullman City Police Chief Kenny Culpepper, center, at an event this February/Tribune file photo
There are times we get to go into situations where the...
Hanceville welcomes NARCOG and Main Street Alabama; Red Cross relocating from Cullman
The Hanceville City Hall conference room was nearly full for the presentation.
HANCEVILLE - Before its regular meeting Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council welcomed...
Colony hosting veterans’ breakfast Saturday, planning summer feeding program and more for area kids
COLONY - The Colony Town Council met this week, and the big topics of discussion were the town’s Memorial Day celebration and slate of...
LIST: schools and organizations offering free meals for kids this summer
CULLMAN COUNTY - Through a federally-funded program co-sponsored by the Alabama State Department of Education and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cullman County children...
Redstone Arsenal and NASA welcome first major piece of space exploration hardware since shuttle...
NASA spokespersons, in the foreground, show how large the engine section and tank simulator are.
HUNTSVILLE - Last week, a barge arrived at Redstone Arsenal,...
Denim and Diamonds Preakness Party a success for Hope Horses
Guests went all out, dressing up for the Denim and Diamonds Preakness Party.
CULLMAN - Recently, a crowd of around 175 gathered for the Hope...
VFW Post 2214 plans Memorial Day activities
Flags displayed along Highway 31 in 2016, put out by members of VFW Post 2214/Image courtesy of Ken Brown
CULLMAN - Cullman’s Veterans of Foreign...
Cullman City Council issues permits for Rock the South
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council held a special session today, during which it approved the event and noise permits for Rock the South...
Meet William Evan Curtis, Holly Pond’s new band director
William Evan Curtis
HOLLY POND - After 25 years on the job, many awards and a generation of loving former students, Luette Benefield has left...
CCSO hits the mark with community firearms class
A local citizen scores well with her .45 revolver as Sgt. David Nunn looks on.
CULLMAN - For two days during the last week, the...
Attention Hanceville residents: City development plans to be announced Thursday
HANCEVILLE - On Thursday afternoon, the North Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG) and Main Street Alabama will be holding a special meeting in...
Mother of CHS student killed in car wreck files wrongful death lawsuit
Curt Wilson
CULLMAN - Ashley Wilson, the mother of Cullman High School student Curtis James Wilson, 15, who died May 7 as a result of...
CCBOE recognizes 2016-2017 student and staff achievements
Vinemont High School Principal Ferrell Runge, CCBOE Superintendent Shane Barnette, VHS Salutatorian Alex Millwood, VHS Valedictorian Landen Ballew and CCBOE member Mike Graves
CULLMAN -...
Profiles in Faith: Catching up with Father John O’Donnell
Fr. John O’Donnell at the altar of St. Michael’s Church in St. Florian
ST. FLORIAN - Fr. John O’Donnell is a longtime fixture around the...
Fairview students chosen for Alabama Shakespeare Festival production
Ally Grund and Aaron Moyland
FAIRVIEW - If you want classical theater in this part of the country, there’s no place like the Alabama Shakespeare...
Who says proms are only for kids?
Local seniors enjoy their prom this week at the Cullman Senior Center.
CULLMAN - More than 40 seniors enjoyed their prom this week. Senior citizens,...
Meet John Wesley, the Warehouse Barber
The Warehouse Barber in his natural habitat
CULLMAN - In the heart of the Warehouse District sits Bella Faire Day Spa and Salon, in the...
Joint session: city school board, council come together, talk traffic, annexation
Cullman City School Board Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson and members of the board listen as Mayor Woody Jacobs speaks.
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council...
Peggy Smith to retire, Dale Greer named CEDA director, effective June 1
Peggy Smith, left, and Dale Greer/Images courtesy of Cullman Economic Development
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council on Monday evening announced the retirement of Peggy...
Hanceville grants new industry, Met-South, $400K tax abatement
Councilwomen Kim Brown and Sharon Porter were out Thursday evening.
HANCEVILLE - At its regular meeting Thursday evening, the Hanceville City Council voted to allow...
Colony Town Council bids farewell to councilwoman Myra Twitty
Councilwoman Myra Twitty (center) poses for her last photo as a member of the Colony Town Council with Clerk Patricia Ponder, Curtis Johnson, Mayor...
Update: Berlin incorporation petition deadline set
Revised map of proposed Berlin town limits
BERLIN - The movement to incorporate the Berlin community into a town now faces a deadline: Friday, June...
Cullman Savings Bank Foundation presents scholarships and more to select area students
2017 Foundation Scholarship recipients, along with recipients from 2015-16. Back L-R: 2016 recipient Marissa Woodall, 2016 recipient Kayley Fortner, Tristan Stancil, Emily James, Blake...
Vinemont HS FCA donates more than $450 to Good Samaritan Clinic
Vinemont senior Seth Campbell presents Good Samaritan’s Jolanda Hutson a check for $453.
VINEMONT - On Wednesday morning, the Vinemont High School (VHS) Fellowship of...
Dinner on First promises good food, good time and new playground
Image by Soulful Snaps & Leslie Dyer- Last year’s Dinner on First
CULLMAN - On Friday evening, May 12, the Cullman City Parks and Recreation...
City amends alcohol ordinance to allow sales by multiple vendors under 1 roof
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Council on Monday approved an amendment to its current alcohol ordinance that will allow multiple vendors to sell alcoholic...
Deadline for beautification award nominations is May 12
CULLMAN - Nominations for Cullman's 2017 Beautification Awards are due by 5 p.m. this Friday, May 12, according to Cullman County Economic Development Director...
Fairview Lions hosting free outdoor movie nights in May, June
Stock image: eatseehear.com
FAIRVIEW - The Fairview Lions Club continues its commitment to family-friendly community activities at Fairview Park with a free outdoor movie night...
Perfect weather for Saturday’s Strawberry Festival
Crowds filled Depot Park, the Festhalle and all the space between.
CULLMAN - Whatever evil the weather did to day one of the 2017 Strawberry...
Cullman Christian School holds 1st science fair
Cameron Kretzschmar with his demonstration of the power of air pressure
CULLMAN - Cullman Christian School (CCS) held its first-ever science fair recently, in the...
Weather doesn’t dampen Senior Day spirit
Visitors bundled up, but braved the cold
CULLMAN - Cullman City Parks and Recreation (CP&R) and the Cullman Commission on Aging were not happy about...
From NY to Cullman: Meet Tom Richter, Cullman FBC’s new pastor
Cullman FBC Pastor Tom Richter
CULLMAN - It’s a long way from New York to Cullman, but Tom Richter had good reasons to come. He’s...
VFW Post 2214 honors outstanding citizens
Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, Hannah Jacobs, Connie Jacobs, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and VFW Post 2214 Commander Sam Bates
CULLMAN - Veterans of Foreign...
Lions Club International President visits Cullman, cuts ribbon on renovated Stiefelmeyer Park
Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs welcomes Lions Club International President Bob Corlew and his wife Diane, naming them honorary citizens of Cullman.
CULLMAN - On Thursday,...
Students get hands on with science, building outdoor classroom at Welti Elementary
Students construct a gravel pathway through Welti Elementary School’s outdoor classroom.
WELTI - Recently, kids got to take a little break from class, as they...
Holly Pond defines town boundaries
The shaded area represents current Holly Pond boundaries accepted by the Holly Pond Town Council and the Cullman County Revenue Commission.
HOLLY POND - At...
Planning commission paves way for further development of Ponder Building; plans for indoor playground...
Jamie Owens hopes to open “It’s All Fun and Games” later this year.
CULLMAN - The Cullman City Planning Commission on Monday evening agreed to...
