Wallace State Community College President Dr. Vicki Karolewics, right, accepts a donation to the Wallace State Future Foundation from Gary Mitchell, the nephew of the late Vervil Lovene Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell made a planned gift of $372,000 to the college for an endowed scholarship fund that provides up to four scholarships each year.

HANCEVILLE - The Wallace State Community College Future Foundation recently accepted a $372,000 planned gift from the estate of the late Vervil Lovene Mitchell of Hanceville.

“We are extremely humbled by Ms. Mitchell’s gift to the Wallace State Future Foundation,” said Suzanne Harbin, director of advancement at Wallace State. “Her thoughtfulness and foresight in including the college in her estate planning will help many students achieve their dreams forever.”

Established as an endowed scholarship, the gift will fund up to four scholarships each year for tuition and fees. Ms. Mitchell asked that the scholarships be offered to female students in need of financial assistance to complete their educations.

Ms. Mitchell passed away in June 2016 at the age of 93. She was born in Cullman in 1923 to W.J. and Mattie Rice Mitchell. She was a retired professor from the University of Florida and authored many books dealing with estate planning, insurance, personal finances and child rearing. She was also a talented wood carver. One of her nephews, Gary Mitchell, presented the gift to Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.

“We are very grateful to Ms. Mitchell for her investment in Wallace State,” said Karolewics.

The Wallace State Future Foundation was established in 2004 and provides scholarships to students whose educational needs cannot be met by their current resources. Through generous gifts and fundraising efforts, the Future Foundation now has more than 40 endowed scholarships and more than 80 named and endowed scholarships. Since 2007, the Future Foundation has awarded more than 2,000 students scholarships totaling more than $1.3 million.

For more information about the Future Foundation, visit www.wsccfuturefoundation.org or contact Suzanne Harbin at 256-352-8144 or suzanne.harbin@wallacestate.edu. For more information about Wallace State Community College, visit www.wallacestate.edu or call 256-352-8000.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 26-28. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Adams, Luther Clayton, 25

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Allen, Ana Marie, 18

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Beck, Timothy Jason, 39

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• possession/sale of a short barrel s/r-gun
• fourth-degree theft of property

Brown, Chad William, 28

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Carver, Marcus Christopher, 24

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Church, Dalton Jacob, 19

• fourth-degree receiving stolen property (2 counts)

Cribbs, Brandon Dale, 37

• failure to appear- DUI- influence of alcohol
• failure to appear- improper lane usage

Davis, Debra Bradford, 56

• failure to appear- third-degree theft of property

Elliott, Joshua Dustin Donnie, 33

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Farley, Joshua Jacob, 26

• second-degree theft of property

Hill, Aubrey Pike, 34

• failure to appear- DUI

Hill, Micky Don, 47

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Hunter, Jamie Breeanna, 20

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Jones, Eric Daniel, 33

• public intoxication
• violating a protection order

Lovell, Anthony Ray, 43

• public intoxication

Loyd, Wayne, 44

• failure to appear- defrauding secured creditors
• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)

McAlpin, John Burt, 50

• violation of protection order

McClellan, Michael Lawrence, 51

• public intoxication

Muncy, Tyler Morgan, 25

• probation violation- second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument

Nabors, Justin Evan, 38

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• possession of prescription medicine
• first-degree receiving stolen property

Parker, Corey Lance, 24

• parole violation/revocation- third-degree burglary

Peoples, Melissa Gail, 36

• failure to appear- public intoxication
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Ponder, Steven Wayne, 57

• menacing
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Sandifer, Matthew James, 33

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• second-degree bail jumping- possession of drug paraphernalia

Speegle, Kenny Dale, 49

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Sutton, Anthony Dale, 24

• endangering the welfare of a child
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Swain, Regina Marie, 46

• failure to appear- obstruction- using a false ID
• failure to appear- seatbelt required
• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance (2 counts)

Taylor, Eric Dron, 18

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Thursby, Whitney Nichole, 30

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property

Wren, Mahalla Nicole, 38

• failure to appear- possession of prescription medicine
• public intoxication

Cullman Police Department

Bryant, Tonya L., 35

• trafficking

Lester, Deborah M., 62

• trafficking

Douglas, Nicole A., 43

• DUI

Stump, Wesley A., 28

• failure to appear- insurance violation

Saucier, Brittany P., 31

• failure to appear- speeding

Whitehead, Tammy L., 36

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hall, Robert W., 55

• DUI- controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hulsey, Christopher C., 18

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Brown, Cody W., 26

• second-degree assault
• second-degree criminal mischief

Davis, Debra B., 56

• third-degree theft of property
• failure to appear- third-degree theft of property

Freeman, Joshua J., 33

• failure to appear- third-degree domestic violence

Lansford, Travis, 42

• failure to appear- DUI

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

Find arrest reports online Monday-Friday at www.CullmanTribune.com.

Congratulations to the following Cullman High School Band students for being selected to the Alabama All-State Band. 

• Tessa Adkins - Clarinet
• Ashlynn Teeling - Contra Alto Clarinet
• Branson Danecker - French Horn
• Connor Gurley - Percussion

Being selected for the All-State Band is the highest honor bestowed on individual students by the Alabama Bandmasters Association. Our band members auditioned with hundreds of other students throughout Alabama for the very limited positions in the All-State Band. The selected students will travel to Montgomery in April to rehearse with world renowned conductors and perform with the finest student musicians in our state.

CULLMAN - The Cullman County Community Development Commission (CCCDC) met Monday night for the first time this year, awarding almost $180,000 in grants to a variety of community organizations.

Grants were awarded to:

• Bremen Volunteer Fire Department- $12,000 for turn-out gear
• West Point Middle School- $12,000 for a mobile lab
• Walter Volunteer Fire Department- $12,000 for six sets of gear
• Good Samaritan Health Clinic- $12,000 for medical supplies
• First Source for Women- $12,000 for supplies for its mobile unit
• Simcoe Community Center- $12,000 to renovate the center, which is a voting place
• Baileyton Volunteer Fire Department- $11,773.09 for seven hand-held radios
• United Way of Cullman County- $12,000 to fund local agencies
• Saving Forgotten Warriors- $12,000 for its food voucher program and to upgrade lawnmowing equipment
• Battleground Volunteer Fire Department- $12,000 for eight sets of firefighting gear
• West Point High School- $10,000 for special education Chromebooks
• Cullman High School- $50,000 for renovations to the gymnasium to meet current ADA guidelines*

Grant requests declined:

• Oktoberfest Committee- $12,000 for Oktoberfest funding
• Hope Horses, Inc.- $12,000 to replace a gate and perimeter fencing
• Cullman County Parks and Recreation- $12,000 for fencing to prevent vandalism
• Cullman County Mental Health- $12,000 to increase treatment capacity
• Cullman Caring for Kids- $10,000 for TV, radio and newspaper ads, etc. to raise community awareness
• Life that Counts- $12,000 for salaries (possible use)
• Vinemont High School- $10,000 for a new bell and intercom system
• Logan Preservation Foundation- $12,000 for a security fence for Old Logan School

A request for $12,000 from Carpenter’s Cabinet, a food bank in Holly Pond, to create a kitchen was tabled.

CCCDC board members are appointed by Alabama state legislators.

Board members are:

• Jamie Speakman- appointed by Sen. Paul Bussman, R-Cullman
• Bradley Williams- appointed by Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope
• Acting Chairman Joe Golden- appointed by Rep. Randall Shedd, R-Fairview
• Josh Speakman- Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle

*Funding for CCCDC grants comes from taxes-  Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in lieu of taxes and beer taxes. Grants are capped at $12,000 and are not issued for more than that amount except under extraordinary circumstances, which must be approved by the legislators. The $50,000 grant awarded tonight to Cullman High School (District 12) falls under that category. Other $50,000 grants awarded in the last year include those for the Hanceville High School and Fairview High School (District 11) track renovations and the West Point High School (District 9) track renovation.

The CCCDC strives to maintain a $100,000 reserve fund, as advised by the legislators.

To learn more or to submit a grant application, visit http://co.cullman.al.us/cccdc/cccdc.html. The next meeting will be in May.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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 to encourage employers’ commitment to veteran careers, including hiring, retention, and long-term development. In preparation for its launch, the U.S. Department of Labor is asking employers to apply for its HIRE Vets Medallion Program Designation, an effort that will recognize up to 300 employers for their investments in veteran hiring.

“Veteran employment is an issue that is very important to me and my Administration,” Ivey said. “We are committed to making sure that those who have volunteered to serve us and our country have worthwhile opportunities to establish long-lasting careers. I know that Alabama’s employers care deeply about our veterans, and I encourage them to pursue this federal designation, so that Alabama’s veterans will know how deeply their commitment lies.” 

The program will recognize employers across three categories: large, medium, and small, and will be available at two levels, platinum or gold, based on the criteria they meet. The criteria are available at www.hirevets.gov.

The designations will be available to the first 300 applicants across all categories (large, medium, and small employers) and applications will be available online at www.hirevets.gov on Jan. 31.  Any employer with at least one employee on staff is eligible to apply.  There is no application fee. Those recognized in 2018 will also be eligible to apply for the 2019 program.

“We know that veterans bring many valuable skills to the workforce,” added Washington. “Employers who have this designation will be that much more attractive to veterans seeking work. It would be wonderful to have dozens of Alabama employers recognized in this first group of designees.”

The demonstration will use the same criteria as the full HIRE Vets Medallion Program and enable more employers to prepare to successfully complete the medallion award application for the full implementation of the program in 2019.

The program utilizes the requirements of the Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans Act of 2017 (HIRE Vets Act) signed by President Donald Trump in May 2017 to determine awardees.

Employers seeking further information should contact hirevets@dol.gov.

CULLMAN - The American College of Cardiology (ACC) awarded Cullman Regional Heart Failure Accreditation in January, based on “rigorous onsite review of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with heart failure through pre-hospital care, early stabilization, acute care, transitional care, clinical quality measures and more,” according to a media release from the hospital.

Heart failure is a condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs for blood and oxygen. “Hospitals that employ an evidence-based, protocol-driven and systematic approach to managing heart failure have been able to reduce time to treatment, and are able to identify and predict high-risk patients while also reducing length-of-stay and hospital readmissions.”

“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to bestow Heart Failure Accreditation on Cullman Regional,” said Abraham Joseph, vice president of ACC Accreditation Services. “We commend Cullman Regional for its demonstrated leadership and commitment to providing the Cullman Area and surrounding region with excellent care of heart failure patients.”

Hospitals receiving Heart Failure Accreditation from the ACC must take part in a multi-faceted clinical process that involves: completing a gap analysis; examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. Improved methods and strategies of caring for patients include streamlining processes, implementing of guidelines and standards, and adopting best practices in the precise care of heart failure patients. Facilities that achieve accreditation meet or exceed an array of stringent criteria and have organized a team of doctors, nurses, clinicians, and other administrative staff that earnestly support the efforts leading to better patient education, improved patient outcomes, and more effective and efficient disease control.

“We are excited to have our cardiovascular team’s efforts recognized for excellence,” James Clements, Cullman Regional CEO said. “Not only does our staff provide quality care for heart failure patients in the hospital, but we’ve made it a priority to help educate these patients on how to manage their symptoms in order to reduce the need for them to be admitted to the hospital for care.”

Cullman Regional is a licensed and accredited 145-bed facility which serves more than 175,000 people. Over the past three years, Cullman Regional has received three accreditation recognitions from the American College of Cardiology including Chest Pain Accreditation, Cath Lab Accreditation (first in the State of Alabama and second in the nation) and now Heart Failure Accreditation. This dedication to continuous improvement of heart care proves Cullman Regional’s commitment to providing the highest quality heart care to their patients.

The ACC and American Heart Association are collaborating to offer U.S. hospitals like Cullman Regional access to a comprehensive suite of co-branded cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including heart failure.

For more information about ACC Accreditation Services, visit accreditation.acc.org, or call toll-free 1-877-271-4176.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 29. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Brock, Bobbie Jo, 45

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Fulks, Jason Robert, 47

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Goble, Calvin Couledge, 45

• failure to appear- aggravated child abuse

Heatherly, Raymond Christopher, 42

• public intoxication

Martin, Denzil Benjamin, 38

• third-degree domestic violence- third-degree criminal trespassing

Mathis, Alan Bradley, 38

• public intoxication

McCulloch, Joshua Connor, 18

• failure to appear- unauthorized use of a vehicle

Moore, Jessica Sheree, 35

• failure to appear- driver’s license not in possession

Cullman Police Department

Burks, Steven A., 42

• failure to appear- driving while revoked

Steele, Jacob W., 27

• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)

Anken, Jeremy E., 38

• public intoxication

Dunaway, Lee M., 37

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Johnson, Kelley S., 24

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Williams, Theodore V. Jr., 30

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Boyd, Lucas A., 30

• failure to appear- violation of nuisance order (2 counts)

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

Find arrest reports online Monday-Friday at www.CullmanTribune.com.

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 had not yet qualified, but who were reported as being in the process of qualifying.  The list below contains only those candidates positively known to have completed the process and successfully qualified as of 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26.  Candidates have until Feb. 9 to qualify.

Governor

Kay Ivey - R, incumbent

Tommy Battle - R

Sue Bell Cobb - D

James Fields - D, from Cullman County

Bill Hightower - R

Michael McAllister - R

Walt Maddox - D

Lt. Governor

Vacated by Kay Ivey upon appointment to post of governor

Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh - R

Rusty Glover - R

Secretary of State

John Merrill - R, incumbent

Lula Albert - D

Heather Milam - D

State Attorney General

Incumbent has not yet qualified

Chess Bedsole - R

Chris Christie - D

U.S. House District 4

Robert Aderholt - R, incumbent

Anthony Blackmon - R

Alabama House District 9

Incumbent not seeking reelection

James Bowling - R

Justin Morrow - R

Scott Stadthagen - R

Alabama House District 11

Randall Shedd - R, incumbent

Alabama House District 12

Corey Harbison - R, incumbent

Alabama Senate District 4

Paul Bussman - R, incumbent

32nd Judicial Circuit (Cullman County) Circuit Judges

Greg Nicholas - R, incumbent

Martha Williams - R, incumbent

Cullman County District Judge

Wells “Rusty” Turner - R, incumbent

Cullman County Probate Judge

Tammy Brown - R, incumbent

Circuit Court Clerk

Lisa McSwain - R, incumbent

Cullman County Commission, eastside Associate Commissioner

Kerry Watson - R, incumbent

Cullman County Commission, westside Associate Commissioner

Garry Marchman - R, incumbent

Andy Coffee - R

Cullman County Sheriff

Matt Gentry - R, incumbent

Cullman County Coroner

Jeremy Kilpatrick - R, incumbent

Cullman County Board of Education, Fairview

Incumbent not seeking reelection

Bill Ballew - R

Cullman County Board of Education, Good Hope

Jason Speegle - R, incumbent

Kerry Neighbors - R

Cullman County Board of Education, Hanceville

Kenny Brockman - R, incumbent

Cullman County Board of Education, Vinemont

Mike Graves - R, incumbent

Ballot measures

As of Jan 26, the only measure on the state ballot for the 2018 election is a State Abortion Policy Amendment, which reads:

“Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended; to declare and otherwise affirm that it is the public policy of this state to recognize and support the sanctity of unborn life and the rights of unborn children, most importantly the right to life in all manners and measures appropriate and lawful; and to provide that the constitution of this state does not protect the right to abortion or require the funding of abortion.”

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Pictured is Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs with Ms. Grey's second-grade class from Sacred Heart. / Leanne West

CULLMAN - Ms. Grey's and Ms. Arndt’s second-grade classes from Sacred Heart Elementary School visited Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at Cullman City Hall, where Jacobs spoke to the students about his job as mayor and answered the students’ questions about city government and other community-related matters.

Each class then presented Jacobs a book of letters and a "quilt" made up of drawings of their favorite places in Cullman. The quilts will be displayed at city hall for everyone to enjoy.

The students also performed a song for the mayor about living in a community. Afterward, they took a tour of the mayor’s office.

We enjoyed having Ms. Grey’s and Ms. Arndt’s second grade classes visit today and appreciate their enthusiasm about learning more about the mayor and about local government.

Front row: Cullman Parks and Recreation Recreational Development Director Christy Turner, Judge Wells Turner; Back row: Cullman City Councilman Johnny Cook, CP&R Director of Marketing, Programs, & Events Waid Harbison, CP&R Executive Director Nathan Anderson, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, Cullman City Councilman Clint Hollingsworth and CP&R board member Will Harding / Photo courtesy of CP&R

CULLMAN - Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) on Tuesday night was named Agency of the Year by the Alabama Recreation and Parks Association at its annual meeting in Tuscaloosa. CP&R Executive Director, Nathan Anderson, was named Outstanding New Professional.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman FBC Pastor Tom Richter speaks to Judson College students at Judson's Christian Emphasis Week. / Photo by Mary Amelia Taylor

MARION - Judson College inaugurated its annual Christian Emphasis Week Tuesday with a Chapel service focused on trusting God. Cullman’s Tom Richter, the week’s featured speaker, stressed the importance of starting the three-day “week” by “brushing off our ‘doctrine of God’” and beginning with a right understanding of the nature of God. Repeating 1 John 1:5, Richter said that understanding God’s nature of goodness and purity “means you can trust Him one hundred percent.” “If we understood God for who He truly is–that God is Light–we would know His commands are His blessings, and His blessings are his commands,” Richter said. “God’s not giving you some command to lay a heavy burden on you. To walk in obedience is to walk in His blessing. Because God is Light, He’s not out to trick you. He’s not out to harm you or play some game with your life. You can trust Him because He is Light, and in Him is no darkness.”

Richter currently serves as the pastor of Cullman First Baptist Church.  Before moving to Alabama, he served as pastor of New Hope Christian Church in Jamaica, Queens, New York for fourteen years.  Richter was a featured speaker at this year’s Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions State Evangelism Conference. Judson also welcomed members of the Board of Governors to campus Tuesday for the board’s spring meeting, as well as Alabama Baptist pastors from across the state for a Pastors’ Conference led by Richter in the afternoon.  Chuck Johnston, worship pastor at Cullman First Baptist, led students in worship during the Chapel service.

Judson’s annual event known as Christian Emphasis Week began at the request of a Judson student. During the 1943-1944 academic year, junior Mary Essie Stephens asked Judson President Dr. John Riddle if it might be possible to bring special guests to campus to encourage the college community in their spiritual growth.  Riddle agreed.  With the support of Judson’s faculty and staff, Stephens planned Judson’s first Religious Emphasis Week. Stephens graduated from Judson in 1945 and in 1954 entered what would become a 30-year career as executive director of Alabama Woman's Missionary Union (WMU).

For more information about this year’s Christian Emphasis Week, contact Cynthia White at cwhite@judson.edu or 334-683-5249.

HOMEWOOD - Thirteen Cullman-area students were named to Samford University's dean's lists for the fall semester. Two area students received their degrees.

Samford University releases dean's lists after the close of the fall and spring semesters each academic year. Dean's List is the highest academic recognition given by the school at the end of each semester.

Samford University Cumberland School of Law Fall 2017 Dean’s List

To qualify for the Cumberland School of Law dean's list, a student must have earned a minimum 3.0 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 10 credit hours of coursework.

Area students receiving this recognition are:

• Nelson Johnson, of Arab
• Sarah Baldwin, of Oneonta
• Daniel Moss, of Vinemont

Samford University Fall 2017 Dean's List

To qualify for the Samford University dean's list, a student must have earned a minimum 3.5 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 while attempting at least 12 credit hours of coursework.

Area students receiving this recognition are:

• Alexandra Slagle, of Arab
• Jeri Cordell, of Arab
• Teresa MacBain, of Cullman
• Hollie Bennett, of Cullman
• John-Anthony Jimenez, of Hanceville
• Savanah Allred, of Hanceville
• Luke Smith, of Oneonta
• Susanna Smith, Oneonta
• Andrew Fillinger, of Vinemont
• Jacklyn Keller, of Vinemont

Samford University Fall 2017 Commencement

Two area students received their degrees from Samford University in the fall.

• Chad Summerford, of Falkville
• Ryan Whitlock, of Holly Pond

Samford University is a premier nationally ranked Christian university. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th oldest institution of higher education in the United States. U.S. News and World Report ranks Samford 3rd among regional universities in the South and Samford is recognized as the top-ranked university in the state of Alabama in national rankings published by Forbes Incorporated, The Economist and The Wall Street Journal. Samford enrolls 5,509 students from 45 states and 30 countries in its 10 academic units: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford also fields 17 NCAA Division I teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference. www.samford.edu

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 but full-grown at around a year and a half in age.  He’s laid back with a low to medium energy level, and is submissive to caregivers.  Though he’s not tiny, he does enjoy cuddling and is very affectionate. 

His adoption fee is $90 and that includes the following: DHLPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccines, rabies vaccine, wormer, general exam at the vet, neuter, microchip, free 45-day health insurance policy issued by 24PetWatch (with valid email only) and a free bag of food from Cullman Pet Depot (you must pay sales tax).

Please consider adopting to give a rescued pet a chance at a happy and healthy life.

Contact the Cullman County Animal Shelter at 256-734-5448 or visit them at 935 Convent Road NE. Reach them by email at cullmancountyanimalshelter@ gmail.com.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Jan. 30. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Barnes, Justin Tyler, 26

• failure to appear- fourth-degree receiving stolen property
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Bearden, Kristie, 46

• drug court sanction- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Bloxson, Ila Ruth, 49

• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Campell, Brett Allen, 18

• failure to appear- drivin g w hile suspended (2 counts)

Dame, Tiny Jay, 45

• harass men t

Dunn, Tamra Nichole, 34

• first-degree unlawful poss essi on of marijuana for personal use

Grimes, Andrew James, 28

• failure to appear- boating withou t a license
• failure to appear- IPA illegal possession  of alcohol in a dry county

Gulledge, Cody Adam, 30

• failure to appear- possession of dru g parap hernalia

Jenkins, Donald Earl II, 19

• failure to appear- third-degree domestic violen ce hara ssment (2 counts)

Johnson, Dan Lee, 40

• drug court sanction- unlawful possession of a controlle d subst ance

Jones, Scottie Cain, 43

• tag light required (2 c oun ts)
• second-degree unla wful posse ssion of marijuana

Lewter, Christopher Shane, 40

• drug court sanction- unlawful distribution o f a con trolled substance

McAlpin, John Burt, 50

• failure to appear- third-degree domestic violenc e hara ssment

McKenzie, Theresa Angelica, 22

• possession of drug parap hernalia 

Miller, Felecia Ann, 47

• harass men t

Pitts, Adam Dale, 38

• second-degree criminal tre spassing
• unlawful breaking and entering of a  vehicle

Sanders, Colton Joe, 25

• drug court sanction- unlawful poss ession of a c ontrolled substance

Speegle, Auburn Justin, 33

• writ of arrest- chil d su pport 

Stewart, George Donald, 63

• judge’s order- possession of drug paraphernalia
• judge’s order- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Tupper, Isaac Edward, 53

• failure to appear- driving while revoked

Wright, Edward Lynn, 53

• first-degree theft of property
   

Cullman Police Department

Couch, Brandon S. 32

• failure to appear- driving while revoked
• possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)

McKenzie, Theresa A., 22

• failure to appear- expired tag

Tanner, Denise A., 23

• identity theft
• fraudulent use of a credit/debit card

McClintock, Joshua K., 21

• first-degree possession of a forged instrument
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Boone, Timothy A., 23

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• failure to appear- expired tag
• failure to appear- following too close
• failure to appear- insurance violation (2 counts)
• failure to appear- driving while suspended
• failure to appear- speeding
• failure to appear- failure to register a vehicle

Boone, Katrina S., 21

• first-degree possession of a forged instrument
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Barnes, Justin T., 26

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Brown, Heather D., 21

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Reid, Jason M., 38

• failure to appear- insurance violation
• failure to appear- switched tag

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

Find arrest reports online Monday-Friday at www.CullmanTribune.com.

BUG TUSSLE - Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick today released the name of the second victim of Saturday night’s fatal head-on collision in Cullman County. Julia H. Horn, 60, of Pinson was pronounced dead at the scene. Horn’s identification was delayed because her vehicle was engulfed in flames after the violent crash.

The other victim, named on Sunday, was identified as Kevin William Crotty, 32, of Hanceville.

The wreck happened in the 16000 block of Highway 69 South, south of Bug Tussle, at approximately 8:15 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27.

According to Alabama State Troopers, Crotty was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Impala and Horn was driving a 2005 GMC Yukon Denali.

Troopers said the Impala crossed the center line and struck the Denali head on, resulting in the Denali being engulfed in flames. Crotty, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Crews from the Cold Springs and Arkadelphia Volunteer Fire Departments responded, along with Cullman EMS and Troopers.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Like seemingly every other institution these days, Cullman County’s schools are being hit hard by the flu.  On Wednesday evening, County Superintendent Shane Barnette sent out the following all-call phone message to county school system parents:

“Hey, this is Shane Barnette, Cullman County Schools superintendent.  I just wanted to call tonight and let everyone know that we're aware that many of our schools have multiple flu cases right now, and we're working really hard to keep things clean and help us not to spread, as much as possible.  And I just want to encourage all of our parents just to talk to their kids, and be sure that the kids wash their hands and use Germ-x throughout the day when they do come back. 

“And if your child’s been diagnosed with the flu, please keep them at home until they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medicine.  And as they come back, just write them a note if they didn't go to the doctor, and (if they were seen by a physician) then include in that note if a doctor called in medicine for them or such as that; but be sure and put in there if they were diagnosed with the flu.  I wanted to let you know that our schools are going to work with your children to help them to make up any work that they miss, and we're going to do our best to get them right back on pace where they were before they were out.  Thank you and I hope everybody recovers quickly.  Good night.”

Barnette told The Tribune that all county schools are affected in varying degrees, in manners consistent with the progress of the flu outbreak in the community in general.  Holly Pond seems to have been hit the hardest, with around 50 students and three or four teachers out by Wednesday. 

The superintendent re-emphasized to The Tribune that students should not come to school sick, or if they have had a fever within the last 24 hours.  He also repeated the system’s commitment to working with anyone who brings a note, to help them get caught up on missed work.

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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 / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - A vehicle pulling into the Jet-Pep at the intersection of Alabama Highway 69 and Alabama Highway 157 struck a natural gas meter on the side of the building Wednesday night, rupturing a gas line and prompting an evacuation of the store. The incident happened shortly before 8 p.m.

The line was broken below the cut-off valve, so Cullman-Jefferson Gas was called in. The line has been capped and is no longer leaking, but the store remains closed.

The identity of the driver is unknown at this time.

Responders included the Berlin Volunteer Fire Department and the Cullman County Sheriff's Office.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Stock image/pixabay

CULLMAN - The Cullman Police Department says vehicle break-ins and thefts seem to be on the rise in the area.

Lt. Gene Bates said that since November, at least four high-end vehicles have been stolen from area car dealerships. He said all four, and possibly a fifth, appear to be the work of the same person or group of people.

“There are lots of similarities in the kinds of vehicles taken.  We believe they’re all related,” said Bates. “These are brand new, and in almost all of the cases, top-of-the line vehicles. They have all the bells and whistles.”

According to Bates, the stolen vehicles range in value from around $30,000 to more than $70,000.

Dealerships hit include Cullman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Mitch Smith Chevrolet and Bill Smith Buick GMC.

However, Bates said, “It’s not a unique thing to Cullman. It’s our belief this is a professional-type theft ring.”

Bates said similar thefts have happened across the state, and the dealerships’ insurance companies are aiding the department in making the connections. “We’re working with the insurance companies for the dealerships. They may insure other dealerships in other parts of the state and have similar claims reported, and they let us know that.”

As far as thefts from private citizens, Bates said there have been two cars stolen in the city recently, and those thefts were completely unrelated to the ones at the dealerships.

“Both were recovered,” he said. “In almost every case I can think of, the keys were left in the vehicle. Probably, it was people out looking to break into vehicles. The doors are opened, and they get in to see what they can find, and they find the keys.”

The two recovered vehicles had no damage.  One was located by a patrol officer and one by the owner.

Bates had two pieces of advice for residents: “Please take the keys out of the ignition. Please lock the doors,” he said. “If people would do those two things right there, it would cut down on a lot of thefts.”

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Cullman Economic Development Agency Director Dale Greer and Sequence Health CEO John Richmond at the front door of the new Cullman facility / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - On Wednesday afternoon, the Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) welcomed Sequence Health to the area, as the company officially opened its new 15,000-square-foot medical call center at 1535 County Road 222.  Sequence joins Topre America, North Alabama Fabricating, and Advanced Heat Treat Corporation in Cullman’s Industrial Park III.

Sequence Health describes itself as “a performance-optimizing technology and services company empowering healthcare organizations to bridge the communication, education, and outcomes gaps within the patient-provider relationship.  We equip clients to acquire, manage and retain patients and realize optimal results throughout the patient experience.”

In Oct. 2016, Sequence Health moved its call center from Atlanta to Hanceville, temporarily locating at Wallace State Community College (WSCC), which provided an incubator site to get the local center running while the new facility was being built.  The company moved into the industrial park location in Dec. 2017.  

In announcing the move to the company, Sequence Health Medical Call Center Director Shedrick Hunter wrote, “With a lot of hard work from many members of our Medical Call Center team, it was a very smooth experience. Thank you to all for the effort, high spirits, and willingness to jump in and be self-sufficient when needed! . . . No detail was overlooked in our vision for the ultimate medical call center facility. Staffed both by seasoned experts from our old Atlanta call center and new recruits from Cullman and Wallace State, we’re more positioned than ever to deliver our best-in-class outsourced healthcare call center services.”  For the full announcement, see https://sequencehealth.com/blog/call-center-move.

Sequence Health’s new call center is set up for a staff of 121, including regular representatives plus medical professionals who can talk with callers about conditions and symptoms, help determine the urgency of treatment, and get callers connected to physicians.  The service is not just local; the call center serves customers across the nation.  The company’s specialties include bariatrics, orthopedics, and obstetrics/gynecology.  According to Hunter, the building was designed for future expansion, so the number of employees is intended to rise.

After the ribbon cutting, Sequence Health CEO John Richmond spoke to The Tribune about the decision to relocate the call center from Atlanta to Cullman.

“I think it was two things: it was really the quality and the caliber of the people here--we’ve been really, really impressed with the caliber of the workforce, to be able to recruit.  They have all the professional skills to work, and have all the people skills that are a really good match for our organization and the needs of our call center.

“And secondly, really, it was just the community environment and teamwork that was demonstrated by everybody from the city leaders, business leaders, the state level; all came together to make it a very attractive place (and) destination for us, where we knew that there would be a long-term partnership.”

Inside the call center, Hunter added, “We looked at Cullman, as well as the Wallace State Community College; and they had a (curriculum) structure that was set up for, I believe, medical.  And that was kind of something we’re interested in, to try and get representatives who had that background or that skill set, and so we thought that this would be a great place to be, along with some proposals that were presented to us to relocate the center.”

Of the partnership with WSCC, Hunter said, “Oh my God, it’s been wonderful!  We have hired thus far, I believe, three full-time nurses from the Wallace State pool.  The productivity has just been phenomenal.  It’s just been an easy process for candidates.  Even our regular call center representatives: we have good deal of them who have just transitioned right out of Wallace State into our workforce, so it’s been a great partnership.  (Wallace State President) Dr. (Vicki) Karolewics and her staff have been instrumental in making sure that we’ve been successful, so it’s been great.”

Richmond spoke highly of the 2016-17 incubator partnership between Sequence and WSCC, saying, “When we realized there was not an existing building that would meet our needs, we knew we needed to build a new facility.  The only way we could do that was if there was an interim solution; and Dr. Karolewics and Wallace State stepped up and offered to us to occupy a full floor of Wallace State’s Bailey Building.  Without that sort of support, we would not be here today in Cullman.

“So we were actually working within the president’s office right next door.  So they were gracious hosts, helping us with IT and just every way you could possibly imagine.  They were the best partners and the best hosts.  We can’t thank them enough for making it possible for us to be here in Cullman.”

Hunter noted that Sequence is still currently hiring, saying, “We’re always looking for employees who are energetic, trainable, teachable.  It’s a great company to work for, definitely able to expand your knowledge and your horizon, as it relates to patient care.”

Richmond concluded with compliments to the Cullman area’s workforce and leaders. “We could not be more impressed and happy about the workforce that we’ve been able to attract so far.  We’ve seen, since we moved from Atlanta to Cullman--which was about 15 months ago--we’ve seen a nice improvement in the quality of our service.  And I also want people from Cullman to know that they have, when it comes from the leadership of the city, that they are in good hands.  Their ability to creatively solve problems and work together as a team to bring business to the community is second to none, and it’s been really impressive to us as we’ve gone through this process and talked to many different cities across the Southeast.”

For more information about the Sequence Health call center, including links to employment opportunities, visit https://sequencehealth.com/services/medical-call-center/.

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Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs with St. Paul's Lutheran School's Gracie Moody, who won first place in her school's Arbor Day poster contest in February 2017 / Tribune file photo

CULLMAN - For the 30th consecutive year, the city of Cullman has earned recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management.

“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”

Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants, and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.

“Trees are very important to cities,” said Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs. “Trees improve air quality and reduce air pollution, provide shade which reduces temperatures, slow soil erosion and storm water runoff, and help absorb sound which reduces noise pollution. The planned Greenway project and the almost-completed Connected Park project will create more tree-lined parks and trails throughout Cullman’s downtown area, which will provide even greater benefits to the City and will also create a more peaceful, aesthetically-pleasing environment.”

Cullman achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements:

(1)   A tree board or department. Cullman’s Tree Commission is comprised of seven (7) members and meets at 10 a.m. on the third Tuesday of every even-numbered month at city hall. Cullman also has a part-time city arborist, Darrell Johns. The city arborist and the Tree Commission work together to develop an orderly process for identifying public tree needs including maintenance, removal, planting, replacement and public education.

(2)   A tree care ordinance. The City of Cullman’s Urban Forestry Ordinance is Ordinance #1343.

(3)   An annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita. Cullman’s per capita expense for community forestry is $96.50 per person.

(4)   An Arbor Day observance and proclamation. Each year in February, the mayor issues an Arbor Day proclamation. The Tree Commission, Cullman County Extension Office, and the Alabama Forestry Service also conduct related events in Cullman including a tree sale, Arbor Day Poster Contest for area fifth-grade students, and a Tree City flag-raising ceremony.

This year’s annual Arbor Day Tree Sale is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, from 8 a.m. until noon (or until all trees are gone) at the Cullman County Extension Office, 402 Arnold St. NE (across from the Folsom Center). Small ornamental trees and flowering shrubs will be available for $2 each. All proceeds will go toward the Forestry Awareness Week Now (FAWN) school program for all sixth graders, and the FFA forestry judging contest.

The Tree City flag raising ceremony is also scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 22, 2018, at 10 a.m. on the front lawn of Cullman City Hall. At this ceremony, the Arbor Day Poster Contest winners from each school will be recognized.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a million-member nonprofit conservation and education organization with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, visit www.arborday.org. For more information on the Tree City USA program, visit www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.