TUSCALOOSA - A number of Cullman-area students at The University of Alabama were named to the Dean's List with an academic record of 3.5 or higher or the President's List with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's) for the Fall 2017 semester. The UA Dean's and President's Lists recognize full-time undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

Students include:

• Ryan Harris, of Addison, Dean's List
• Alyssa Price, of Addison, President's List
• Morgan Smothers, of Addison, Dean's List
• Curtis Bockemehl, of Altoona, President's List
• Tyler Hamp, of Altoona, President's List
• Autumn Anderson, of Arab, Dean's List
• Annaleigh Baggett, of Arab, Dean's List
• Kaitlin Cochran, of Arab, President's List
• Shayla Cross, of Arab, Dean's List
• Joseph Crowder, of Arab, Dean's List
• Thomas Gibbs, of Arab, President's List
• Laura Green, of Arab, President's List
• Noah Lueker, of Arab, President's List
• Tabetha Marsh, of Arab, President's List
• Brittany Morgan, of Arab, President's List
• Sarah Onks, of Arab, Dean's List
• Anna Rodgers, of Arab, President's List
• Jeremy West, of Arab, President's List
• Olivia Smith, of Arley, Dean's List
• Charlsie Burden, of Baileyton, President's List
• Summer Walker, of Baileyton, Dean's List
• Darby Hamm, of Blountsville, Dean's List
• Tshenina Brown, of Bremen, Dean's List
• Gregory Foster, of Cleveland, Dean's List
• Caylin Glass, of Cleveland, Dean's List
• Peyton Hazelrig, of Cleveland, Dean's List
• Brooke Edwards, of Crane Hill, Dean's List
• Audrey Valenti, of Crane Hill, Dean's List
• Katherine Wright, of Crane Hill, President's List
• Peyton Blair, of Cullman, President's List
• Isom Carden, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Andrew Cofer, of Cullman, President's List
• Garrett Crider, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Bryeleigh Davis, of Cullman, President's List
• Joshua Ellard, of Cullman, Dean's List
• William Franey, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Spencer Green, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Josey Hardman, of Cullman, Dean's List
• William Hicks, of Cullman, President's List
• Kera Hunter, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Jeffrey Krout, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Judson Krout, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Jalen Lee, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Bryan Leiter, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Samuel McGuire, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Myles McLeroy, of Cullman, President's List
• Katie Noriega, of Cullman, President's List
• Bethany Pappas, of Cullman, President's List
• Sally Ann Pappas, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Jessica Patterson, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Laura Powers, of Cullman, President's List
• Benjamin Pruitt, of Cullman, President's List
• Anit Rama, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Wilson Raney, of Cullman, President's List
• Tatum Robertson, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Andrew Robinson, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Shelbi Shabel, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Logan Shugarts, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Madeline Taylor, of Cullman, President's List
• Cassandra Thomason, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Matthew Thompson, of Cullman, Dean's List
• David Turner, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Eric Voce, of Cullman, Dean's List
• Aaron Estes, of Falkville, Dean's List
• Hunter Brannon, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Jeremy Hurst, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Olivia Kontogeorge, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Hope Mason, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Jason McAfee, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Julie Newton, of Hanceville, President's List
• Kayla Scott, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Amber Skinner, of Hanceville, Dean's List
• Anna Gilchrist, of Hayden, President's List
• Emily Morgan, of Hayden, President's List
• Clint Reid, of Hayden, Dean's List
• Anastasiya Sinyavina, of Hayden, Dean's Lis
• Emily Sloan, of Hayden, Dean's List
• Javier Figueroa, of Holly Pond, Dean's List
• Samuel Pannell, of Horton, Dean's List
• Garrett Peppers, of Horton, President's List
• Emily Amin, of Locust Fork, Dean's List
• Chase Turner, of Locust Fork, Dean's List,
• Jamie Beasley, of Logan, Dean's List
• Bailey Anderton, of Oneonta, Dean's List
• Kristen Cox, of Oneonta, Dean's List
• Tyler Harvey, of Oneonta, Dean's List
• Caitlin Love, of Oneonta, Dean's List
• Hayden Shirley, of Oneonta, President's List
• Clay Smith, of Oneonta, Dean's Lis,
• McRae Smith, of Oneonta, President's List
• Anne Wester, of Oneonta, President's List
• Kyle Hornbuckle, of Remlap, President's List
• McKensi Burks, of Vinemont, Dean's List
• Keaton Dean, of Vinemont, President's List
• Christopher Eastman, of Vinemont, President's List

The University of Alabama, the state's oldest and largest public institution of higher education, is a student-centered research university that draws the best and brightest to an academic community committed to providing a premier undergraduate and graduate education. UA is dedicated to achieving excellence in scholarship, collaboration and intellectual engagement; providing public outreach and service to the state of Alabama and the nation; and nurturing a campus environment that fosters collegiality, respect and inclusivity.

Image credit: University of Alabama

The 2017-2018 Leadership Wallace State group recently visited Montgomery, where they met with Chancellor Jimmy Baker and attended a board meeting. They also toured the state Capitol.

HANCEVILLE – Wallace State’s 2017-2018 Leadership Wallace State group recently toured the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) office in Montgomery, where they met with Chancellor Jimmy Baker and were recognized at a board meeting. They also toured the ACCS System Office, attended a budget hearing and toured the state Capitol building.

The 2017-2018 Leadership Wallace State group consists of employees Brian Allen, Jamie Blackmon, Susan Brewer, Stephanie Eisner, Tina Jones, Erika Lee, Amy Moore, Mark Neal, Anna Parrish, John Richey, Steven Smith, Amanda Tillman, Susan Wadkins and Daniel Young.

Wallace State began the Leadership WSCC initiative 12 years ago with the goal of cultivating leaders in programs and departments all across campus. Beginning with the fall semester each year, the group meets monthly.

Since last September, the 2017-2018 group has participated in the following activities: touring Wallace State’s campus and learning more about the college’s initiatives and each individual in the group; attending a “Professional Etiquette” session and attending the John Maxwell Live event at the Highlands Church in Birmingham. Maxwell’s “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You,” is a common read among the annual Leadership groups at Wallace State.

An Economic Development trip is planned for the group in February, when they’ll attend the Cullman Chamber of Commerce luncheon, and a number of teams among the group will present ways to better enhance the student experience to the Wallace State Cabinet in April.

For more information about Wallace State, visit www.wallacestate.edu.

CULLMAN - On Friday evening, the Cullman High School Jazz Band played on at the 22nd annual Big Band Dance.  Plenty of CHS students packed the Cullman Civic Center for the event, but dancers and music fans of all ages and from all over the community turned out, in a crowd that numbered in the hundreds.  

The Tribune caught up with CHS Band Boosters President Mary Hovater early in the evening, and she shared, “It’s our 22nd Big Band Dance; we’ve been doing it 22 years.  Looks like we’ve got a big crowd; looks like probably almost 200 already and maybe just a little bit more than that, from the eyeball count.  A lot of young people, and a lot of older people are here, so a good mix from the community is here again this year, so that’s great!  

“It’s really nice.  The kids want to make sure this is a community event, not a school event, even though there’s a lot of school kids here.  This is their opportunity also to give back to the community, so it’s kind of nice that they open it up.

“And the band sounds great! . . . This is their only fundraiser, and it’s grown every year.  That sound! I guess the kids are starting to like it more and more, so they all come.  It’s nice to have something that the young ones and the older ones all enjoy the same kind of music, which is kind of unusual.”

Hovater explained that the proceeds from this year’s Big Band Dance will go toward the purchase of new jazz band music and equipment, and the maintenance of instruments.  

The band was led by CHS Director of Bands Christopher Smith, who spoke to The Tribune about what his students are doing:

“I’m really excited about the Cullman band program!  It’s more than just marching band.  That’s the one that everybody in the public sees the most, but we have lots of other ensembles that we have throughout the year.  

“This is one of them.  The Cullman Jazz Band plays at community events, of course this--the Big Band Dance, Christmas and spring concert.  We’re even going to Atlanta in May to play at Six Flags.  We also have a symphonic band and a concert band.  They’re going to a state contest just four weeks from now.

“So we really have a vibrant and diverse program that we hope a lot of kids get involved with- not just at the high school level, but our beginning band in the sixth grade, all the way through our middle school, all the way to senior year in high school!”

CHS 2017-18 Jazz Band

Trombone

• Avery Barnett
• Bailey Gray
• Jaisa Letson
• Jennifer Jester

Piano

• Connor Gurley
• Cannon Trimble

Guitar

• Zane Emerson
• Riley Chrisman

Bass

• Cameron Cottingham

Drums

• Conner Burnham
• Connor Gurley
• Gabe Sosa

Alto Saxophone

• Emma Mansour
• Brianna Phenicie

Tenor Saxophone

• Ashley Clowers
• Sara Reeves

Baritone Saxophone

• Sawyer Martin

Trumpet

• Rachel Carden
• Jessika Franks
• A.J. Woods
• Heath Cordes
• Spencer Smith

Vocalist

• Eryn Rainwater

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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 life on the road from their current home in Falkville, spending months at a time traveling to shows around the country to sell their line of custom jewelry made from recycled coins, silverware and other materials.  Now, thanks to the Friends of NRA (National Rifle Association), “The Fun Company” can enjoy a little more national recognition without having to hit the highway- not that they have any plans to stay home and take it easy.

Early last year, The Fun Company had a booth at the National Wild Turkey Convention in Nashville.  The Greers were hard at work when representatives from the Friends of NRA stopped by and took an interest in their arrowhead-shaped “Freedom Flyer” earrings, made from vintage quarters and featuring an eagle image.  

Paige Greer related, “They walked into our booth at the Wild Turkey Convention, which is a huge hunting expo in Nashville, at the Opryland Convention Center.  And they walked up to our booth and walked in, and said, ‘Hey, can you make 1,130 pairs of those earrings?’”

As one might imagine, it took a little time to check numbers and schedules, but the Greers determined that they could handle the order, and called the number on the card the representative had given them.  Now, they’re in the Friends of NRA catalog.  Their earrings, along with other items, will be given to members and donors as promotions, and will be auctioned at fundraising events.  

The entry in the catalog for the Greers’ earrings reads:

Don your patriotism by wearing a piece of American history. Silver Standing Liberty quarters were only minted from 1916 to 1930 but became very popular in the early 20th Century. These silver coins have been cut in the shape of an arrowhead to highlight the eagle in the design and handcrafted into southwestern-style earrings with hypoallergenic surgical steel ear wire. Ten karat gold wire and a turquoise-colored bead accent the shape and style. Made exclusively for Friends of NRA by The Fun Company and limited to 1,130 units. Made in the USA.

The Greers have deep roots in Cullman County.  Brian Greer is a 1984 graduate of Vinemont High School, and Paige Greer graduated from Cullman High School in 1988.  Her parents Ed and Barbara Burrow owned the well-known Globe Restaurant and Barbara Burrow Realty, and the Performing and Fine Arts Center at Wallace State is named for Paige Greer’s aunt, Evelyn Burrow.

According to Paige Greer, “The Fun Company Jewelry was started 37 years ago by Brian’s father Jack Greer, a.k.a. Happy Jack.  As a true artisan, Happy Jack was a full-time jewelry maker and creator.  He traveled the US doing many art shows and making many friends who still remember his fun way to make people laugh either by a joke or a trick.  Jack Greer also worked for the City of Cullman for 18 years reading meters before his dream of The Fun Company.

“He chose the name The Fun Company as his motto was love, laughter, fun and play.  Happy Jack had a young apprentice, his son Brian Greer, who worked under him creating one of a kind jewelry designs.”

After Happy Jack passed away in 2002, Brian and Paige Greer decided to keep the tradition going as full-time artisans.  

Today, The Fun Company attends around 30 shows and festivals per year, spends summers doing 10 of those shows in Maine, and maintains an online Etsy shop.  Its shop description reads:

“The Fun Company is a full time home based business owned by Brian and Paige Greer specializing in unique hand-crafted coin jewelry and gift items.  From a long held tradition of fine custom-handcrafted coin jewelry we use our collection of old American silver and copper coins.  Hand crafted quality and customer satisfaction are the foundations of our business.”

Even with a growing online presence and merchandise in other people’s catalogs, The Fun Company has no intention of giving up the craft show circuit.  The Greers plan to be back at the Bloomin’ Festival at St. Bernard Abbey, an event they’ve enjoyed for years.  Things like a little national attention won’t change that, but they do make life more interesting.

“It’s a big honor for us,” said Paige Greer, “‘cause we’re just small-town folks trying to make a living from day to day.”

Visit The Fun Company on Etsy at https://www.etsy.com/Shop/TheFunCompany.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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 New Orleans. / Cullman High School

CULLMAN - Cullman High School foreign language teacher Sara McCutcheon has been chosen from among a nationwide group of nominees to review proposals for presentations to be made at the 2018 conference of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) in New Orleans, the ACTFL Annual Convention and World Languages Expo.  McCutcheon was nominated for the position of both responsibility and honor by Dr. Sheri Saine Long, executive director designate of the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP).

The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) promotes the study and teaching of the Spanish and Portuguese languages.  Per its website, the ACTFL is dedicated to the improvement and expansion of the teaching and learning of all languages at all levels of instruction.  ACTFL is an individual membership organization of more than 12,500 language educators, students and administrators.

McCutcheon explained a little about what she will be doing. “There are four types of proposals to be reviewed: 45-minute stand-alone sessions, 15-minute research papers, electronic posters and all roundtable presentations of various languages and levels.  This means I will be reviewing and selecting, with a committee, the sessions and talks offered at the 2018 ACTFL Conference.”

McCutcheon has been a teacher at Cullman High School for 11 years, teaching all levels of Spanish, Bible as Literature, public speaking and the CHS Student Leadership Academy.  She talked about the language program within which her efforts have brought her this national attention:

“The World Language program at Cullman High School likely does not look like the high school courses most adults took during their high school careers.  The World Language program has been revamped over the years from a grammar-based approach to proficiency.  Proficiency is what a student can do with the language.  Not often is someone asked to conjugate a verb in Mexico, but one may need to order in a restaurant, to describe characteristics of a person, or to serve others on a missions trip.  

“Recently in Spanish level one, students studied DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), learned why the government shut down during this time, and were able to form an educated opinion on the topic.  This information will help students across the curriculum, and often these controversial topics are brought up in pageant questions, college interviews, etc.  When students leave the Cullman High School World Language program, we want them to have a firm foundation for college or a career, or to simply make their lives richer through another culture.”

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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 area high school band students have been selected for this year’s All State Band.  Cullman High School french horn player Branson Danecker, percussionist Connor Gurley, clarinet player Tessa Adkins, and contra alto clarinet player Ashlyn Teeling, along with Hanceville High School tenor saxophone player Xander Williamsen, all qualified for the honor. 

Williamsen, who plans to pursue a career in music education, said, “I feel like I'm one step closer to where I want to be.”

Hanceville High School Band Director Steven Porter, in an email to County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, described the All State audition process:

“The All State audition for wind instruments consists of 12 major scales, two minor scales and chromatic, all from memory.  Two etudes, a technical and lyrical, and sight reading.  Sight reading is having one minute to look at a piece of music for the first time, then perform it, with correct rhythms, dynamics, and melodic lines.  Percussion audition is three times as long, as they audition on snare, mallets, AND timpani.”

Both school’s band directors shared opinions with The Tribune on the All State Band program.

Cullman’s Christopher Smith wrote, “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.”

Porter wrote, “All State Band is one of the greatest events for students in Jr/Sr high school band.  It specifically highlights individual student achievement. It is not up to the group for the audition, it isn't up to the director.  The responsibility is solely on the student's self-discipline and determination to put in the time required to achieve success.”

Additionally, Hanceville High School percussionist Taylor Gable, Vinemont Middle School trombone player Lydia Baker and Cullman High School flute player Sara Reeves, along with the five students who made All State, qualified for District Honor Band.

Gable said, “I'm excited about District Honor Band. It's cool to meet other players across our great district.”

Vinemont Band Director Skylar King said of Baker, “As a band program we are very proud of Lydia's accomplishment and the amount of extra time and energy that she put forth on her audition. Also, to my knowledge, this is the first junior high student we have had represent our school at this event in over a decade.”

District Honor Band will take place at Russellville High School on Feb. 16.  The All State Band Festival will be in Montgomery, Apr. 19-21.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Funeral Service for Jimmy Dale Panter, age 58 of Cullman, were Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Etha Baptist Church with Dr. Tim Lipsey officiating. Burial at Etha Baptist Cemetery. Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Panter passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018. He was born October 25, 1959 in Cullman, AL to Coy Winford Panter and Ruth Hanvey Willingham.

He is preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his sons; Ryan Dale Panter, Ronnie Shedd, sister, Patricia Panter (Todd) Ergle, brothers; Timothy Coy (Lois) Panter and Blake (Allyson) Panter.

The apple of his eyes were his son, Ryan and his niece, Teala. Jimmy leaves behind a loving family, friends, church, and community. A special thank you to Leroy and Lance Paris for their love and care for so many years. He was a frequent at Shaddix's Country Mall, Pizza Done Right, and Hutch in the Fairview community. He loved to sit around with his buddies and talk and laugh about life. He loved with a limitless, unconditional, carefree love that many could only hope to have. He never stopped giving even with his unfortunate death. His love continues in that he was able to give the gift of life with by donating his organs. He will live forever in our hearts and the many lives he has touched with this unselfish gift of love. We love you Jimmy Dale, till we meet again at Heaven’s gate. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Refuge Church Life Center Children’s Center.

Willie Harold Rodgers of Vinemont passed away at his residence on January 31, 2018 at the age of 85. He was born on July 16, 1932 in Cullman to William H. and Ida Bell McSwain Rodgers.

Mr. Rodgers is a veteran of The United States Army and worked for CSX Railroad.

Funeral services were Saturday February 3, 2018 at Moss Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Cullman City Cemetery.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Rodgers, daughters Pam Rodgers, Becky Cruce, sons Willie Harold Rodgers Jr., Barry Rodgers, step-daughters Geneva Rodgers, Anna Staton, Louise Carrillo, Aver Brown, Jackie Demonia and 2 grandchildren.

Funeral services for Bessie Jane Baker, 95 of Dodge City, are Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 2 p.m. at New Prospect Baptist Church, Ray Ponder and Kenneth Shelton officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the church.

Mrs. Baker passed away on Friday, February 2, 2018. She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude and Leola Murray; her husband, Harold J. Baker; brothers, Jess Murray and Bernard Murray and sisters, Beulah Abbott, Frances Abbott and Faye Hollis.

She is survived by her son, Hugh C. (Wanda) Shelton Sr.; daughters, Judy (Ray) Ponder and Sherry (Kenneth) Shelton; grandchildren, Marlene (Bruce) Parker, Hugh (Amy) Shelton Jr., Angela (Derrick) Woodall, Brian (Devan) Ponder, Tiffany (Justin) McClendon, Kayla Shelton and Kenny Shelton; seven great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; sister, Jean Polston and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

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 Black History Month at its Educational Complex with “Colony: a Celebration of Life.”  The event included stories of the founding of Colony by freed slaves shortly after the end of the Civil War, life in Colony before the days of electricity and running water, and the old Colony School. 

Looking outside Colony’s town limits, attendees also heard about historical contributions of African Americans to the fields of science, industry, business and agriculture.  

The program was full of music, including classic spirituals like “Wade in the Water,” “Go Down, Moses,” “When the Saints Go Marching In” and “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” and gospel greats like “Down to the River to Pray,” “We’ll Understand It Better By and By” and “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

The celebration was sponsored by Cullman’s Benedictine Sisters, who not only turned out in good numbers themselves, but also brought a contingent of guest nuns from numerous other convents.

Event coordinator Sister Margaret Mary Liang told The Tribune, “There’s a big conference of all the administrators and superiors from all over the Northeast and maybe even farther.  That’s why they were here (in Cullman).  So I brought them here to experience a different feeling for what people are in the town, and the history of the town.”

When asked what led her to sponsor this particular event, Liang responded, “Because I just thought it was a wonderful idea, because it’s a very quiet community.  You know, they don’t talk about themselves, but I think it’s a very protected community.  So that’s why I thought it was important to highlight the group.”

The Benedictine Sisters plan to return this summer to lead a series of children’s activities in the Colony community.

Councilwoman Ethel Alexander, along with community representatives Barbara Bradford, Linda Johnson, Jamelle Dimbo and Daja Miller, worked with the sisters from Colony’s end to plan and put on the event.

After the celebration, Alexander told The Tribune, “It was beautiful! I really, really feel like it was a jumping start for our celebration--the 200-year celebration of Alabama--and I believe this is one of our biggest events (by turnout).  And we hope to do some more toward the 200 years of Alabama being a state, and I’m just glad to be a part of it.  And there’s going to be some more!”

Alabama is in the midst of the Alabama Bicentennial commemoration, “Alabama 200,” which will culminate in 2019. See more at www.Alabama200.org.

“I love to brag about Colony, because it is, first of all, a community that was birthed from my people.  And so, to see it here today, with all the beautiful buildings we have--our (Educational) Complex, our (town) hall, our senior citizens’ (center)--it’s a community that has a lot that people don’t know . . . It’s something that I hold and treasure.”

Colony Mayor Donnis Leeth smiled, “The day’s been great!  The Lord made this day happen, and it was great.  And all the sisters that come today from over the world, I’m really excited about that.  

“The ones from Cullman, they did great.  And Miss Margaret, the sister who lives in Cullman, she is a magnificent, fantastic lady.  She put all this stuff together for us, and I enjoyed it.  

“The thing about Colony these days is, it’s a fantastic (place) to live, and we’re trying to get a Dollar General down here, and start from there--small--and make it grow.  Other things’ll come to the Colony, I hope.  In my four years--I’ve got three more years left--and I’m going to try and make something happen, me and the council members--make something happen in the Colony that’ll be great.  And our grandkids and kids will remember that: what their grandparents done.”

Coming to Colony

Colony will hold a second Black History Month event on Feb. 24 for both area children and the community at large, focusing on music.

According to Councilman Curtis Johnson, Colony intends to reopen its gym and community center for summer activities this year, and plans are already underway for a repeat of last year’s highly successful summer feeding program.  (See www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2017/07/13/colony-fills-vacant-council-s...)

See a video of “Colony: A Celebration of Life” at www.facebook.com/CullmanTribune/videos/1632083206853368/.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Feb. 2-4. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Abel, Patrick Daniel, 52

• failure to appear- failure to register quarterly SORNA

Burke, Tony Joe, 27

• failure to appear- proof of liability insurance required

Gill, Christopher Adam, 28

• commitment order- DUI

Gilliland, Adam Daniel, 39

• DUI- influence of alcohol

Grey, Jeremy Brian, 47

• parole violation/revocation- second-degree theft of property

Holmes, Roy Dale, 42

• giving false name to law enforcement

Joiner, Paul Floyd, 50

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Kilgo, Amanda Nicole, 39

• failure to appear- proof of liability insurance required (2 counts)

Long, Lyndsay Marie, 32

• writ of arrest- child support

Malone, Zachery Wayne, 19

• failure to appear- improper taillights
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Mitchell, April Lynn, 34

• failure to appear- harassment

Murray, Heath Wallace, 28

• DUI- .08 BAC or greater
• Persall, Ronda Butts, 53
• possession of prescription medicine
• public intoxication

Sanford, Breana Michelle, 30

• second-degree domestic violence

Tucker, Timothy William, 56

• failure to appear- DUI

Waldrop, Wade Allen, 40

• first-degree bail jumping- sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12

Wyatt, Tyler Aaron, 30

• probation violation- aggravated child abuse

Cullman Police Department

Richter, Bethany E., 29

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

Nabors, James M., 33

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

Eason, Joseph C., 31

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Pugh, Shannon L., 20

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Rowland, Kayla K., 28

• fourth-degree theft of property

Wiggington, Jason S., 36

• fourth-degree theft of property

Mathis, Alan B., 38

• public intoxication

Black, Britney M., 29

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property
• promoting prison contraband

Kyle, Marcus L., 32

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property

Rolin, Melvin W., 42

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• carrying a pistol without a license

Harwell, Chrystal G., 34

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

Cook, David D., 50

• failure to appear- driving without a license

Payne, George G., 66

• public intoxication
• third-degree criminal trespassing

Glover, Michael A., 39

• DUI

Brown, James D., 19

• DUI

Southard, Jessie W., 36

• fourth-degree theft of property

Swann, Jamie D., 36

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

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

Former Alabama wide receiver, Tyrone Prothro, spoke at Church 212 in Cullman on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2018. / Nick Griffin

CULLMAN - Church 212’s congregation packed out the church’s sanctuary Sunday morning, not just to celebrate its faith, but also to hear an Alabama legend, former wide receiver Tyrone Prothro, tell his life story.

Most people know him for “The Catch,” in which he caught the ball behind the head of Southern Mississippi's Jasper Faulk on a long pass from quarterback Brodie Croyle on Sept. 10, 2005, or for his career-ending injury on Oct. 1 that same year, arguably the most gruesome sports injury in recent history. But Prothro came to Cullman to speak about his life, the challenges he has faced and how his faith ties into it all.

Before the service began, Prothro spoke to The Tribune about his message and gave some updates on what he’s doing now.

“(Pastor) Chris (Harrison) reached out to me and of course I know I have a story to tell,” he smiled. “Basically, I’m here to tell my story and give my testimony of how God has moved in my life with the things that I’ve been through and just being able to overcome adversity.”

Prothro was hired as an assistant football coach last summer at Spanish Fort High School and is currently working on his teaching certification so he can become a full-time member of the school’s faculty. He is excited to be able to spend time working with young people and believes he can teach them things that go beyond just football.

“It was a lot of fun just being able to be around the kids and being able to give knowledge to the younger guys. Not just about football but about life also, just kind of giving them advice and insight on things outside of football,” he said. “You know football’s going to be here, but at some point, it’s going to end, so having a back-up plan and just having an idea of what you want to do when football is not there anymore. I’m actually doing online classes at the University of West Alabama trying to get that teaching certification so I’m just trying to get that so that I can teach full time. Right now, I’m a sub at Spanish Fort High School and I coach football so I’m just enjoying my first year. We had an awesome year and we look forward to continuing to grow.”

As a former player and a coach, Prothro has seen the game change a lot since his time on the field in Tuscaloosa. Not only has the style of play changed, but he’s seen the development of young athletes evolve as well.

“It is a lot different now, but also the game is a lot faster. I think guys are a lot bigger and a lot faster than even back when I played. I was a 4.4 guy, but you had linebackers that were 230 running 4.4 and 4.5, but now you got guys like Jadeveon Clowney who’s 260-270 pounds and he’s running a 4.4,” Prothro said. “So, the game is evolving, guys are getting bigger, stronger, faster, and I think that speeds the game up. I also feel like back when I played our work ethic was a lot better than some guys nowadays. I think we knew the meaning of what it takes and hard work and stuff, but nevertheless, the game is so much faster now.”

Prothro had a connection to Cullman long before he spoke to Harrison through the Britts. He played with all three of the Britt brothers (Wesley, Justin and Taylor) at Alabama and through them he was made aware that Cullman is a big-time Crimson Tide town.

Prothro is already looking forward to next season on the sidelines for the Toros, especially considering their surprising 11-2 season in 2017.

“Just because we were young and lost 30 seniors the year before, a lot of people were expecting us to go about 6-6 and maybe not make the playoffs, but we had a lot of talent and our kids worked their butt off in the summer and it paid off during the season,” he said. “We ended up winning some games and had ourselves in a position to host a couple of games at home in the first and second round of the playoffs and then the third round we had to go to Wetumpka and ended up losing in the third round, but we had a great season. I think we overachieved to a lot of people’s standards that didn’t think we would do that well, so I feel like we had a great season. This year is supposed to be a lot better, because we’ve got a lot of talent coming back, so I’m just excited to see what this season has in store for us.”

Sunday’s service started at 11 a.m., and after musical performances and a few words from Harrison, Prothro took to the stage to begin his testimony. He began by talking about his childhood and how important his faith and his mother were for him during difficult times.

“My story begins with a little kid from Heflin, Alabama about 7 or 8 years old with a dream to play college football and a dream to one day make it to the NFL. One of my favorite verses of scripture, and one that I try to live by is Philippians 4:13 and it’s ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ and that’s one thing I try to live by from when I was playing even up till now,” Prothro said. “Each and every person in this room, at some point, whether it’s now or later, you’re going to go through something, you’re going to go through an adversity that you’re going to struggle to overcome and it’s one of those things you have to find a way to overcome.

“The thing about it is it’s how you deal with those adversities that determines the type of person you are. Throughout my life I’ve had to deal with all types of adversities. I’ve had to overcome two house fires, one in fifth grade and one in the 10th grade, and just think about that. You and your family having to pick up and rebuild your life all over again. We had to find a way to overcome that and another adversity I’ve gone through was living in a house with a single mother, a single mother of four and just going for months without power or water and just wondering as a kid where your next meal is coming from or how you’re going to take baths, and my mom being the strong, Christian woman she is, she always found a way.”

Prothro went on to talk about his struggles academically and how his faith helped him overcome that challenge and then began to reflect on his struggles in college after his injury held him back from fulfilling a lot of his goals.

“Going into that Florida game, it was something about that day, I just felt different. I felt good and I felt like it was one of those days that it was going to be a special day for me. I went about my business during pre-game warmups, nobody was goofing off and it was one of those days that everybody just wanted to take care of business,” he said.

“Long story short, I ended up having like seven receptions, 134 yards, two touchdowns, and I had a punt return that I ran back for a touchdown, so I tell a lot of people that Florida game was the best game of my career and also it was the worst game of my career. On Oct. 1, 2005, with 8:57 on the clock, I ended up breaking both bones in my leg and was never able to come back and play again,” he shared.

“I went through numerous surgeries and I just found myself sitting in a hospital bed and my mom actually happened to come to that game. I wanted her to come to that game. Like I said I felt good and I just felt different about that game. So, she ended up staying in the hospital with me and I can just remember nights laying in the hospital bed with my mom sitting right beside me and she could hear me crying at night and would turn the light on and just looking at all the things that people sent me in my room, I found myself asking God, ‘Why me?’ How do you allow me to be this high and then all of a sudden to take it all away like that?

“I found myself looking back on a promise I made God in high school. Somewhere along the line of my sophomore year and junior year with my jersey being in the stores and people knowing who I am, I lost track of God. I feel like God took something that I love so much to really show me that he’s in control. It wasn’t necessarily that I was out there doing whatever it was, just that I fell back on my promise to God. Maybe I wasn’t going to church as much as I should’ve and like I was going before when I couldn’t pass that test in high school. Somewhere along the line I stopped doing that, and I feel like that was God’s way of showing me that he was in control and to remind me of the promise I made to him.”

Despite all of the struggles and pain that Prothro has been through, looking back on it, he said he wouldn’t change anything. The path that he is on has led him to wife his Sidni and his son London, who made the trip to Cullman with him Sunday morning, along with his sister Azaria.

He ended his testimony with a message for everyone in the congregation. A message that he believes we should live our lives by and will guide us through hardships that we will all face in life.

“We all experience times of adversity in our lifetime, and as the saying goes, what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. Turn to God and his words during times of adversity for strength and comfort. When we put our faith in him, he will help guide us to the path of happiness and peace. Thank you and Roll Tide!”

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Funeral services for Elizabeth Ann Boike, 66 of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, February 6, 2018 in the Cullman Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Cullman City Cemetery, with Bro. Billy Randolph officiating. Cullman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Boike was born on September 25, 1951 to the late George & Elizabeth Matthews Boike; she passed away February 3, 2018 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Martha A. Boike; and was a longtime member of 4th Street Church of Christ.

Survivors include one Sister – Bobbi Boike Moffett; one Brother – Doug Boike; one Niece – Amy Boike Higdon; one Nephew – Chad Boike; and 6 – Great-Nieces & Nephews.

The family will receive friends for visitation Tuesday, from 1 p.m. until the service at 2 p.m.

Jessie Godbee with her parents David Godbee and Tanya Davis / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - On Monday evening, Cullman County Schools hosted the 91st annual Cullman County Spelling Bee at Temple Baptist Church, crowning Cullman Middle School’s Jessie Godbee the winner in a field of 22.

Cullman area schools suffered through the effects of the flu, forcing a few changes to the field.  Holly Pond Elementary’s entry Darla Fredrick had to back out at the last minute, and both Harmony and Welti sent alternates.  The following students competed (listed with bee entry numbers):

Cold Springs Elementary - Reba McCarn, 2
Cullman Middle - Jessie Godbee, 16
East Elementary - Allie-Michelle Stewart, 1
Fairview Elementary - Nicolas Gregory, 18
Fairview Middle - Jackson Babb, 9
Good Hope Elementary - Ace Stricklin, 11
Good Hope Middle - Kaliana Lee, 3
Hanceville Elementary - Karys Henderson, 4
Hanceville Middle - Brady Cleek, 12
Harmony - Olivia Curtis for Cass Baron, 8
Holly Pond Middle - Abigail Kusz, 19
Parkside - Reagan Dunkin, 20
Sacred Heart - Madilyn Clair Kerber, 15
St. Bernard - Joey Ruse, 7
St. Paul’s - Carter Daily, 6
Vinemont Elementary - Breanna White, 21
Vinemont Middle - Mason Fitzgerald, 10
Welti Elementary - Olivia Stallings for Haley Tyree, 13
West Elementary - Willa Smith, 17
West Point Elementary - Mary Beth Penn, 22
West Point Intermediate - Kilona McClure, 5
West Point Middle - Carter Duke, 14

Cullman County Schools Reading Specialist Renee Chambers and Athens State Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Development Elizabeth Pruett served as pronouncers.  Cullman County District Judge Rusty Turner and Cullman County Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas, along Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce President Leah Bolin and attorney Champ Crocker were the judges.  Sacred Heart School Principal Gregory Hughes and Cullman County Schools Director of Instructional Programs Dr. Anita Kilpatrick served as proctors.

After multiple rounds of spelling and vocabulary, the bee came down to Godbee, Brady Cleek, Willa Smith and Abigail Kusz.  The four students matched each other evenly for a few rounds, until finally only Kusz and Godbee were left.  After Kusz missed “flotilla,” Godbee smiled through her spelling of “artichoke” to win.

According to her parents David Godbee and Tanya Davis, the CMS student is no stranger to spelling bees.  This was her second county-level match as a Cullmanite, and she competed in four county tournaments in Winston County before her family moved to Cullman.  This will be her third trip to the state spelling bee.

CMS Principal Lane Hill came to cheer his school champion, and afterward to celebrate his school’s second consecutive county victory.  

He told The Tribune, “She’s a great student, always does well in school.  The great thing about it is, she’s a seventh grader, so she has an opportunity to come back next year and do this again, so we’re looking forward to it.  

“Second year in a row Cullman Middle School has won the spelling bee in the county, so we’re proud of our kids and all that they do, and our teachers, too--got a great group of teachers teaching these kids.”

Godbee advances to the state spelling bee on March 10 at First United Methodist Church in Alabaster, for a chance to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Oxon Hill, Maryland, near Washington D.C. on May 29-31.  The overall winner of the national competition will receive a $40,000 cash prize plus a savings bond, along with reference works from Merriam-Webster and Encyclopedia Britannica.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall / Image source: WVTM 13

MONTGOMERY - Alabama Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall announced today that the State of Alabama has filed suit against Purdue Pharma, L.P., Purdue Frederick Company Inc., and Rhodes Pharmaceuticals, L.P. (collectively “Purdue”), the manufacturers and sellers of prescription opioid pain medications, including the brand name drugs OxyContin, MS Contin, Dilaudid/Dilaudid HP, Butrans, Hysingla ER and Targiniq ER, as well as generic opioids. Alabama’s complaint asserts that Purdue violated Alabama’s Deceptive Trade Practices Act in the marketing and sale of opioid drugs and, in so doing, jeopardized the public health, welfare and safety of Alabama residents. The State is seeking both monetary damages and injunctive relief.

“The opioid epidemic has devastated Alabama families, leaving a trail of addiction and death winding though every community of this state,” said Marshall. “Alabama ranks first in the nation for the number of painkiller prescriptions per capita. As a result, it is estimated that almost 30,000 of our residents over age 17 are dependent upon heroin and prescription painkillers. Alabama’s drug overdose death rate skyrocketed by 82 percent from 2006 to 2014 and it is believed that many of those deaths were from opioid painkillers and heroin.

“It will take years to undo the damage but an important first step we must take is to hold the parties responsible for this epidemic legally liable for the destruction they have unleashed upon our citizens. Today, I have filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma—the manufacturer of OxyContin and other opioids—in federal court here in Montgomery, and I anticipate that the suit will be transferred to Cleveland, Ohio, as part of the national multi-district litigation.”

On Aug. 8, 2017, Gov. Kay Ivey named Marshall co-chair of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, a council that the governor established to “develop and submit a strategic action plan to the governor by Dec.31, 2017, that establishes recommendations for policy, regulatory and legislative actions to address the overdose crisis in Alabama.”  That council issued its 74-page Action Plan on Dec. 31, 2017.  Marshall also attended a court-ordered settlement conference in Cleveland, Ohio, on January 31, 2018.

The State has retained two law firms, Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, P.C. of Montgomery and Prince, Glover & Hayes of Tuscaloosa to prosecute Alabama’s claims on a contingency basis, under the supervision of attorneys from the Attorney General’s Office. The contract was undertaken in accordance with the 2013 Transparency in Private Attorney Contracts Act.

Click here to read the complaint and contingency contract.

Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar at Monday night’s town council meeting / Nick Griffin

BAILEYTON - Baseball fields, storm shelters and a new town hall. Those were the top three items on the agenda at Monday night’s Baileyton Town Council meeting. 

Mayor Johnny Dyar and the council spent a fair amount of time discussing work that needs to be done on the town’s baseball fields. No official decisions were made, but the council is mulling adjustments to the field’s drainage system, infield grass and finding a way to build something to shield the batters’ eyes from the sun during certain times of the day.

The council approved resolution no. 2018-01 to request a grant for two new storm shelters for Baileyton. Dyar said he has seen the need for some added shelter space for several years and the problem becomes magnified when severe weather comes through the area.

“We’ve got one up here right behind the town hall, behind the senior center, and it’s full during every storm. A lot of times people have to stand outside,” Dyar said. “That’s the reason why we thought we should build two more. We’re going to build one over here at the cemetery, on Cemetery Road, and we’re going to build the other one up at the park so that if there’s a ball game or anybody at the school up there they can use our storm shelter.”

Dyar said he believes that by having several storm shelter locations, the town will be able to provide for multiple groups of people that may have different needs. He said his biggest concern is trying to make everyone as comfortable as possible when the shelters become necessary.

To wrap up the meeting, the council reviewed the specs for the new town hall project. The new building will have updated security features like motion-sensing lights on all four corners of the structure and video surveillance. It will also feature more space in several areas like the foyer, offices and in the main conference room. After going over the dimensions of some of the new rooms and paying all the unpaid bills, the council adjourned for the evening.

The Baileyton Town Council meets at Baileyton Town Hall, located at 95 Fire Station Road, on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

HANCEVILLE - Wallace State Community College congratulates the 790 students named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for the Fall 2017 Semester. To earn a spot on the Wallace State President’s List, students must maintain a perfect 4.0 GPA for the semester while taking a course load of 12 or more hours. Placement on the Dean’s List is awarded to students maintaining a 3.5 GPA or higher while also taking a course load of at least 12 hours.

PRESIDENT’S LIST

Acworth, GA: Michael Johnson

Addison: Jase Anders, Reagan Smothers

Alabaster: Morelia Tinajero

Albertville: Brian Goza, Allison Soper

Allgood: Yesmin Leon

Altoona: Garry Davis, William Summerford

Arab: Andrew Bailey, Jason Hyatt, Matthew Jarrett, Amber King, Danielle Kozinski, Baylon Lesley, Katherine Massey, Elizabeth Nielsen, Jacklyn Protz, Richard Shook, Warren Smith

Arley: Austin Bowling, Summer Hinton, Zachary Hodgens, Brittany Noe

Athens: Alysia Anderson

Auburn: Austin Triplett

Baileyton: Jordan Coppett, Cody Edge, Elivia Jones, Morgan Wilson

Big Sandy, TN: Karlie Hudson

Birmingham: Justin Crump, Taylor DeSilvey, Michael Gormley, Hallie Hall, Phillip Shepherd, Roger Sikora, Zohra Vishram, Timothy Wiggins

Blountsville: Christina Barbier, Adriana Contreras, Jordan Duncan, William Mckinney, Brady Pettit, Ernesto Rivera, Stephanie Serrano, Anthony Skellett, Britton Smith, Kimberly Vickers

Boaz: Caitlyn Leeth

Bremen: Brandon Blair, Garrett Cone, Emmalie Holderfield, Audrey McMickens, Michael Wester

Cleveland: Kevin Mitchell, Kevin Roddam, Lorri Williamson

Columbiana:Lexie Riggins, Alejandra Saucedo-Corpus

Crane Hill: Makayla Calvert, Savannah Calvert, Stacey Hargrove, Kayla Haynes, Jesse Lee, Caleb Stark

Cropwell: Jamye Sweatt

Crossville: Lacy Hendrix

Cullman: James Allen, Carli Ashley, Anna Avery, Corey Barbee, Savanah Barnett, LacieBartlett, Ashton Beasley, Randi Bentley, Samuel Briehn, Vanessa Cabrera, Darana Campbell, Kaitlynn Cole, Rhett Compton, Zachary Cone, Matthew Daniel, Ethan Drake, Charlie Rose Evans, Chester Freeman, Jada Golden, Alexander Gonzalez, Haley Heaton, Montana Holcombe, Justin Hollaway, Sadie Junkins, Brady Kent, Jenna Lambert, Shelby Lynn, Kaylee Maddox, Julie Martin, Rebecca McConnaughhay, Hannah Morton, Joshua O’Neil, Benton Patterson, Lucy Preiss, John Riley, Lindsey Rodgers, Emilie Sena, Kelsey Shaddrix, Alivia Sims, Branden Singleton, Zackary Sloan, Vanessa Smith, Bailey Starnes, Victoria Swafford, Abbigail Swann, Anthony Taylor, Ella Thomas, Corey Townsend, To Tran, Anna Trevarthen, Noah Walker, Cohen White, Kelsey Wren, Cassidy Wright, Kristin Yahn

Deatsville: James Henry

Decatur: Benjamin Behm, Haley Cheatham, Maylen Fantocone, Judea Hullett, Maleah Moss

Dora:  Karah Haynes, Preston Reeder

Dothan: Davonna Byrd

Double Springs: Shelly Blanton, Victoria Cagle, Morgan Crowe, Aaron Holder, Erica Roberson

Empire: Zoe Moon, Jacob Dutton

Enterprise:Morgan Kyles

Eva: Audra Beard, Brittany Bogle, Chelsee Campbell, Haden Holmes, Jared Holmes, Kyle Knop, Lauren Reeves, Andrew Van Winkle

Falkville: Thomas Baker,  Savannah Childers, Alyssa Dooley, Kassi Ingram, Miguel Perales

Fayette: Riley Linton

Florence: Mackenzie Call

Fultondale: Kaylinn Brown

Gadsden: Whitney Kircus

Gardendale: Elena Cronin, Paul Knetter, Morgan Lovelady, Mary Matthews, Tristen Merideth, James Penton, Leah White

Good Hope: Joshua Royster

Goshen: Katherine Thomas

Grant: Emily Bonds

Graysville: Jessica West

Grundy, VA: Jerry Lwamba

Guntersville: Mackenzie Gomez, Aundrea Light

Gurley: Neeki McNeely

Hackleburg:Carley Wooten

Hanceville: Kyle Bear, Carlos Chacon, Norma De Aguinaga Garcia, Pamela Ehlman, Tori Hart, Kaylee Hasting, Summer Higgins, Malia Howell, Wesley Kilgo, Shana Knott, Andrew Kornegay, Aaron Lowery, Angel Mernatti, Niyanna Malcom, Sarah Miller, Maria Mondragon, Emily Mullins, Emily Owens, Savannah Powell, Amanda Renshaw, Kyle Snow, Hannah Sumner, Tyler Tidmore, James Whitacre, Charles White

Hartselle: Lauren Allen, Olivia Anders, Ciara Doran, Patrick Grissom, Challie Johnson, Savannah Lemmons, Taylor Robinson, Abbey Vinzant

Harvest: Morgan Brandon

Hayden:  Emily Dia, Emily Goodwin, Savannah Mizzell, Cal Ratliff, Scott Russell, Dae Spradlin, Caleb Smith, Jake Smith, Sydney Snider, Kristen Styles, Travis Tyler, Jessica Woods

Hazel Green: Makenzie Cantrell

Helena: Kimberly Agee

Holly Pond: Saegan Daugherty

Hoover: Katherin Walton

Horton: Tanner Dickerson

Huntsville: Payton Chittam, Palmer Ford, Felicia McIntosh, Jason Thomas, Rebecca Weathers

Jasper: Khanie Cantrel, Stevi Drummond, Emily Wilson

Joppa: Kaylan Blake, Forrest Calhoun,  Jon Elliott, Hunter Ellis, Lindzey Hughes, Chase Martin, Angela Pesina, Jonathan Sturtevant

Killen: Haley Lester

Kimberly: Hannah Brown

Lacey’s Spring: Ally Hubbard

Leoma, TN: Beverly Hinson

Lester: Sarah Meyer

Locust Fork: Madison Cater, Ryan Davis

Logan: Leathel Stone

Lynn: Payton Harbin

Madison: Ashley Acker, Garrett Brown, Gloria Delaney

Marion: Caitlyn Barton

Moody: Hannah Canterbury

Morris: Bess Crane, Michael Crane

Moulton: Taylor Barkley, Chelsea Culver

Mount Hope: Lelia Daniel

Mt. Olive: Jeri Todd, Rachelle Moran, Megan Posey, Aaliyah Wyatt

Muscle Shoals: Courtney Jones

New Hope: Christopher King

Northport: Casey Gage, Gretchen Bowers

Odenville: Cody Horn, Caitlin Howell

Oneonta: Jose Arriaga, Kara Cornelius, Gustavo Gonzalez, Kayla Gonzalez, Tracy Johnson, Stephanie Ruiz, Michael Short, Edson Silva, Kathy Williams

Parrish: Tanner Dawson, Trent Lineberry

Pelham: Angela Wells

Pell City: Jessica Batson, Amber Loftis

Pinson: Jaime Johnson Callie Ray, Cheryl Reese, Rebekah Sewell, David West

Pisgah: LaShauna McBride

Plattsburgh, NY: Leah Alford

Prattville: Rebekah Gillum

Princeton: Wanda Absher

Ragland: Mary Bunt

Rainbow City: Jordan Gramling

Remlap: Bryant Simmons

Russellville: Samantha Green, Lacey Oliver

Saraland: Joseph Cobb

Scottsboro: Christa Haynes

Sheffield: Ashton Adderhold

Social Circle, GA: Anna Williams

Springville: Hannah Smith, Savannah Thompson

Talladega: Rachel Greene

Trafford: Kellyn Calvert, Caleb Hays, Jacob Hays, Alexis Hicks, Katie Lewis

Troy: Morgan Carter

Trussville: Katherine Edwards, Elizabeth Kimbrough, Nathaniel Robinson, Jacey Taggart

Union Grove: Colton Pritchett, Stephanie Redd, Cassandra Vanderau, Justin Vanderau

Vance: Jodie Farnetti

Vinemont: Brandie Carter, Xandralyn Celis, Rachel Hall, Emily Jones, Jesse West

Warrior: Tabetha Ausborn, Hannah Gardner, Kalyn Hallmark, Sara Jackson, Timothy Lawson, Dalton Maddox, William Skinner

Woodville: Kendra Osmer

DEAN’S LIST

Addison: Courtney Hamilton, Macy Lake, Kaley Moore

Alabaster: Nicholas Smith, Jacob Weaver

Albertville: Katlyn Allen, Lauren Beasley, Victor Bravo-Velasquez, Trace Britton, Nancy DeHart, Rodolfo Duran Corona, Hannah Roden, Presley Weems

Altoona: Stanley Appelt, Oscar Cartagena, Taylor Nash, Melanie Wages

Amory, MS: Joshua Hester

Anniston: Miajah Bullock

Arab: Angel Brown, Alex Carter, Dana Lawrence, Gabrielle Leak, Laura Lewis, Emmanuel Reynoso Arce, Govanni Sanchez, Victoria Schomburg, Conner Stone, Don Tucker, Jassmyn Vaughn

Arley: Jacob Brown, Colby Million, Aleshia Stamps

Athens: Kyra Biggs, Kaitlyn Boyer, Holley Day, Zarley Lawson, Lindsey Moore

Augusta, GA: Hannah LaFavor

Baileyton: Ashley Jones, Kayla Rojas, Alesha Stancil, Samantha Thompson

Birmingham: Andrew Farrow, Nash Harrington, Sydney Powell, Leslie Rascoe, Katherine Scott

Blountsville: Christian Baker, Carly Battles, Carla Bullard, Miranda Freeman, Chelsey Golden, Joshua Holmes, Kirsta Murphree, Samantha Ortiz, Christopher Smith, Kimberely Stange, Nicholas Tawbush,  Chandler Whittington

Boaz: Joseph Farley, Silvia Ramirez-Morales

Bremen: Mason Abbott, David Jacobs, Clancey Williams

Bridgeport: Courtney Summers

Carbon Hill: Zachary Alexander, Caroline Gann, Spencer Plunkett

Centre: MaKayla Chandler

Cleveland: Luz Elizarraraz, Hannah Hixon, Kayla Hudgins, Nova Ladue

Cordova: Courtney Craig

Courtland: Katie Burden

Crane Hill: Kristen Cryer, Kyle Calvert, Taylor Urech

Cullman: Courtney Aderhold, Nathan Appling, Derik Arendall, Ragan Ashley, Gracie Bailey, Kayla Baker, Tyler Ball, Cameron Barbee, Loren Bates, Savannah Beard, Rachel Brown, Magan Buchanan, Adan Campos, John Carnagey, Kandice Chaffin, William Cofer, Alesia Cupp, Anamarie Dahlke, Jackson Denney, Tanner Duke, Regan Garmon, Morgan Goodwin, Emily Graves, Kacie Griffith, Anthony Gunter, Jacob Guthrie, Austin Harris, Gavin Hays, Kyle Hays, Alexis Hernandez, Brandee Holaway, Aladie Howse, Stephen Hudson, Madison Hunkeapillar, Chad Hurst, Amanda Hyjek, Dakota Kimbro, Charles Klopfer, Jacob Lambert, Micheal Mathis, Mason May, Emilee McDonald,Meredith McPherson, Trent Morton, Chilton Nichols, Devan Parker, Elijah Parker, Emaleigh Parker, Tori Partridge, Alyssa Pylant, Jeanie Rakestraw, Madison Roberts, Kolby Robinson, Brigette Rollins, Robert Rushing, Ricky Sexton, Andrew Shaw, Wyatt Shelton, Catherine Small-Posey, Benjamin Smith, Dakota Smith, Gian Smith, Adalynn Smithson, Caleb Still, Haley Still, Adriana Suarez, Kaylin Talley, Sarah Thompson, Noah Tillman, Sybil Tubbs, Hannah Wachter, Kirsten Wallace, Nicole Ward, Coree Wells, Caleb West, Maddie Woods, Kristopher Yearwood, Justin Youmans

Danville: Emma Eady, Susan Fuller, Breanah Lawrimore, Austen Lindley, Carson Owens, Zachary Watts, Morgan Weatherwax

Deatsville: Alli Johnson

Decatur: Erica Barnhouse, Ethan Blevins, Diane Daniel, Desmond Dempsey, Tabitha Freeman, Taunton Griffith, Margaret Yambrek

Detroit, MI: Ahziala Wright

Dora: Caleb Stone, Jackson Tavel

Double Springs: Cameron Bonds, Leslie Fouts, Terri Lolley

Empire: AshLynn McClendon

Eva: Sophia Brown, Hanna Frost, Jonathan Holmes, Jessica Margotta, Alec Miller, Ryan Oden

Falkville: Kaylon Helton, Sydney Hughes, Anna Mason, Chloe Nutt

Flat Rock: Madison Shrader

Florence: Heather Stevenson

Forestdale: Shelton Blue

Fort Payne: Yeimy Cedillo, Bentley Lance, Faith McSpadden, Brandi Rogers

Fultondale: Joyce Calloway, Raven Mcwhorter, Kayleshia Tankersley

Gadsden: Paige Bullard, Lauren Firestone, Payton Lewis

Gardendale: Ian Buchanan, Hannah Burns, Julia Capps, Kyndall Franklin, Victoria Hunt, Lara Landers, Madeline Ridgeway, Kaitlyn Williams

Glencoe: Lacey Lemons

Grant: Mariah Mayes

Grove Oak: Madison Eason

Guntersville: Sarah Bors, Benjamin Brownlee, Hannah Glasscock, Mikayla Meeks, Erin Pankey

Haleyville: Jarett Sherrill

Hanceville: Breanlee Anderton, Jonathan Andre, Jessica Arriaga-Aguilar, Brandy Black, Zachary Brown, Richard Campbell, Cindy Chancellor, Emily Corbett, Joanna Crauswell, Jordan Dunaway, Jennifer Dunkle, Temperance Ennis, Joshua Gamble, Bethany Gray, Jalen Hodges, Zach Hudson, Michael Jimentel, Demarkus Lampley, Savannah Langley, Joshua LaPrade, Daniel Leach, Rodney Malcom, David Odell, Robert Powell, Kiefer Quick, Katherine Ranelli, Christopher Rollins, Matthew Sapp, Samantha Schultz,  Joshua Scott, Freddie Shealey, Makenzie Smith, Destini Vincent, Erin Wise

Hartselle: Bailey Anders, Cameron Chasteen, Branningan Crawley, Hannah George, Emily Herbert, Josie Hudson, Mary Liles, Dillan Martin, Elijah Parker, Aaron Smith, Breanna Spangler, Kaitlyn Thompson, Austin Wakefield

Hayden: Madelyne Bairrow, Rachel Bairrow, Brittany Booth, Morgen Bradford, Johnathon Burns, Erika Cork, Timothy Curry, Heather Dennis, Chad Fines, Micha Hightower, Clara Holmes, Maci Key, Preston Mills, Jordan Moody, Taska Morrison, Lesley O’Donnell, Dax Scarbrough, Houston Stewart

Hidgon: Presley Higdon

Holly Pond: Megan Barksdale, Courtney Coggins, Tiffany Crook, Hailey Enciso, Kayley Fortner, Sheila Homan, Stacey Little, Rebecca Overton, Caitlyn Patterson, Emily Rainey, Coleman Shivers, Rachel Weaver

Hoover: Maya Jones

Horton: Yasmin Cruz-Jaimes, Crystal Hernandez Martinez

Houston: Jud Baldwin

Hueytown: Jacob Okorley

Huntsville: Kara Coker, Sidney Edwards, Andrew Kitts, Tanner Robertson

Irondale: Rebekah Hume

Jacksonville: Ashton Gaddy

Jasper: Erika Castillo, Mason Crawford, Logan Farley, Hannah Ingram

Joppa: Steven Sturtevant

Kimberly: Savannah Colley, Jessica Ellison, Kyle Falkner, Holly Haynes, Melinda Hosch, Tara Jones, Davis Sheffield

Laceys Spring: Prescilla Reese

Lawrenceville, GA: Maxwell Clark

Leeds: William Battles

Lewisburg, TN: Dhruv Patel

Lexington: Hayden Hatton

Logan: William Gammon, Coty Halverson, Katlyn Moser, Austin Rogers, Tanner Rusk

Loretto, TN: Clint Sewell

Madison: Seirah Seow

Meridianville: Parion Alexander, Taylor Shewbart

Mobile: Kylie Chase, Marquise Cobbs

Montgomery: Rheagan Wyche

Morris: Breanna Barber, Hunter Cornelius, Katelyn Herrington

Mt. Olive: Donna Hilton, Victoria Krehl, Elizabeth Osborne, Caeley Williams

Moulton: Gregory Bryant, Hollie Henderson, Lyndsey Lunn, Emily Shockley

Mountain Brook: Shannon Manthey

Mt. Hope: Morgan Warren

Muscle Shoals: Lauren Burcham

Nauvoo: Hannah Sanford

New Market: Laeia Brandon, Sydney Holder

Ohatchee: Clint Bicknell, Joel Bostrom, Guadalupe Chacon, Karalise Cook, Jessica Crim, Miguel Espinoza, Susana Espinoza, Julie Hamilton, Brian Hawkins, Anthony Hogeland, Carmen Jimenez, Jeremy Mitchell, Gage Morgan, Monica Ortegon, Bailey Rudder, Brennan Wink, Taylor Wolfe

Opelika: Andrew Bizilia

Owens Cross Roads: Morgan Wilemon

Oxford: Jacqueline Cantu, Steven Junior

Pelham: Rebekah Fox, Nicole Johnson

Pell City: Kelcy Williams

Phenix City: Dalton Sinquefield

Piedmont: Demi Highfield

Pinson: Justin Baxley, Emily Brown, Nicole Fisher, William Hubbard, Tristen Milledge, Jessica Reeves, Mariah Rushing, Alesha Triplett

Pontotoc, MS: Tiffany Coleman

Prattville: Brett Spires

Priceville: Emily Goodman

Rainbow City: Courtlyn Barber

Red Bay: Anna Seahorn

Remlap: Breanna Crawley

Russellville: Shelby Hovater

Sand Rock: Ambria Sparks

Saraland: Molly Whitlock

Scottsboro: Stephanie Urquhart

Sheffield: Christian Olive

Somerville: Morgan Griffin, Karlie Jenkins

Springville: Layton McDanal

Sumiton: Cicely Hester

Susan Moore: Jolene Jones

Town Creek: Mildred Taylor

Trafford: Kimberly Clements, Joseph Glass, Jacob Hancock, Donald Todd

Trinity: Maleah Fuller, Taylor Goodpastor, Heather Parker, Kaitlyn Roberts

Trussville: Alexis Gray, Lauren Keplinger

Tyler: Thomas Spivey

Union Grove: Courtney Hardin

Vernon: Keeli Bobbitt

Vinemont: Alex Barton, Allison Bennefield, Garrett Boland, Amanda Crawford, Tabatha Gilbert, Dara Hand, Wyatt Jones, Michael Keller, Ethan Kelley, Alex Millwood, Taylor Powell, Makayla Ray, Kelsey Rogers, Emily Smith, Anna Watson

Warrior: Matthew Bynon, Kate Carlisle, Caylee Cox, Courtney Crane, Lauren Davis, Amber Dye, Hillary Hardiman, Stella Harris, Alana Hopper, Kaleigh Kennedy, Kallee Knox, Anna Main, Meagan Olson, Parker Pesnell, Jordan Pugh, Molly Raisanen, Kelsey Reid, Myranda Rice,  Jeremy Richardson, Christian Singleton

Wellington: Destiny Barthel, Emily Spaulding

White Oak, PA: Kevin Wharton-Price

Wilsonville: Sarah Henry

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Feb. 5. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Basinger, Timothy Lee, 50

• public intoxication

Bullard, Eric Monroe, 23

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• first-degree theft of property

Callahan, Jeffrey Dale, 25

• probation violation-first-degree theft of property

Edwards, Shelia Renee Carlee, 54

• harassing communications

Farr, Carles Matthew, 34

• harassment

Goodwin, Myrriah Leigh Ivory, 20

• contributing to the delinquency of a minor

Harris, Kent Lee, 36

• permitting dogs to run at large

Jones, Melissa Ann, 38

• failure to appear- giving false name to law enforcement
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Lindsey, Regina Anne, 40

• failure to appear- DUI- influence of alcohol

Malone, Zachery Wayne, 19

• second-degree bail jumping- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

McCart, James Ray, 42

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Roberson, Justin Paul, 31

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Sears, Bridget Nichole, 32

• failure to appear- possession of prescription medicine
• failure to appear- speeding- reasonable and prudent

Spicer, Carlos Alberto, 38

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Whisenhunt, Kimberly Dawn, 29

• failure to appear- liability insurance required

Cullman Police Department

Gill, Christopher A., 28

• failure to appear- driving while revoked
• failure to appear- driving without a license
• failure to appear- insurance violation
• failure to appear- DUI

Bryant, Tonya L., 35

• unlawful distribution of a controlled substance

Smith, Justin M., 32

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Riggs, Kevin D., 55

• unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts)

Brock, Collin M., 19

• DUI- under 21

Davis, Chesley B., 36

• failure to appear- expired tag

Wallace, Chad T., 43

• third-degree forgery
• third-degree possession of a forged instrument
• possession of a forgery device

Wallace, Gregory W., 47

• third-degree forgery
• third-degree possession of a forged instrument
• possession of a forgery device

Benitez, Kimberly A., 26

• second-degree theft of property

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

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

Funeral service for Samuel John Harbison, infant son of Jeremy and Angela Baker Harbison, will be on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Left to right: Citizens Bank and Trust’s Grace Griggs and Alan Wood, Coach Matt Collins, Josh Campbell from CBT and Vinemont High School Principal Robin Netherton / Citizens Bank and Trust

VINEMONT - The baseball program at Vinemont High School has some upgrades coming for the 2018 season, thanks to a donation from Citizens Bank and Trust here in Cullman. The president of the bank’s Cullman office, Alan Wood, is excited for the opportunity to contribute to a local school.

“I know Coach (Matt) Collins up there; my wife works at the school, and we’ve had our kids involved in the program, and they’ve been trying to build what they call a ‘hitter’s eye’ in center, which actually helps the batter pick the ball up off of that,” Wood said. “There’s no money through the school system really to do that so they have to raise that, and we decided it’d be a good project that we’d like to partner on. It’s a good opportunity to help the school with something that they might not could’ve built without our assistance. A lot of the other schools in the county already have that on their fields and you know baseball is not usually a big money-making sport because there aren’t as many people that come to watch it, so it’s just harder to raise that kind of money.”

A hitter’s eye is a solid, dark surface that is placed behind the wall in center field. It allows the hitter at the plate to see the ball without being distracted by things over the outfield wall like traffic or a parking lot. Wood said he saw the need for an upgrade years ago when he was watching his oldest son play for the Eagles and is happy that his younger son still in the program will be able to use the new feature this season.

“My oldest son graduated from there and I’ve still got one playing there. Coach Collins has looked around at some of the other schools. West Point has had that for some time and Fairview has; it’s just a good feature to have as part of your field,” Wood said. “I think they’ll have it constructed here in the next couple of weeks. Everything is in place, I think the poles are already in the ground. They’ve just got to finish their construction on it, and they’re supposed to do that I think on the 17th so it’ll be done and ready for the season.”

The Eagles will open the 2018 season on Feb. 26 at home against Falkville.

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