Lindley, Guy and Colton, three of Saturday's Toddler Olympics winners / Nick Griffin

CULLMAN - The 2018 Winter Olympics are happening now in Pyeongchang, South Korea. Here, Cullman Parks and Recreation (CP&R) held its Toddler Olympics Saturday at the Cullman Wellness and Aquatic Center, with more than a dozen pint-sized athletes coming out to play and compete. The kids competed in relays and games while also spending some time working on art, enjoying snacks and playing on a blow-up obstacle course in the gym.

Maneka Rocca, CP&R’s recreation and event specialist, was excited to organize these Olympics and said her focus was on making sure all the kids had as much fun as possible.

“We try to do as much stuff for everyone, all age groups, as possible,” Rocca said. “So, especially with the Olympics going on right now we wanted to create something for the little kids to get them out with their family.”

Saturday’s weather got a little grey and rainy, forcing the events indoors, but Rocca was still excited with this year’s turnout.

“The weather’s been kind of bad, so we wanted to bring them in and have families still be able to go out and play and have a great time,” she said.

See more photos at www.Facebook.com/CullmanTribune.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Ready your sweet tooth: Big Spoon Creamery is coming to Mae's Food Hall. Mae's made the announcement on its Facebook page early Saturday afternoon. Big Spoon will open its Mae's location in late March, according to a press release from owners Ryan and Geri-Martha O'Hara. The location will be the creamery's second.

The handcrafted ice cream operation, founded by the O'Haras, a husband and wife team, started in 2014 as a “pop up” in their driveway in Hoover. The two left their jobs as chefs at famed Birmingham restaurant Bottega in 2015 and grew the business to include an ice cream truck and cart over the next two years. Big Spoon opened its first brick and mortar location in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham in April of 2017.

“To be honest, we did not have plans to launch a location in Cullman. But after talking with Shane (Quick), owner of Mae’s, and seeing the food hall and learning about the community, it was such a unique opportunity that we couldn’t turn down,” said Ryan O’Hara. “We love the Cullman community and are really looking forward to serving the people of Cullman. We can’t wait to introduce the people in this area to the same fresh, handmade ice cream and dynamic customer service that Birmingham has come to love.”

"Honestly, Big Spoon's ice cream is the best I've ever had, and I'm an ice connoisseur," said Quick. "I've watched their business explode in Birmingham over the past couple of years, from chasing around their food truck to frequenting their location in Avondale. We've built a relationship with the owners. As we were building Mae's, we really envisioned them from the very beginning. It just wasn't the best time for them as we were opening."

Said Quick, "Their customer service and interaction with customers is about the only thing that rivals the quality of their ice cream. It's really an amazing thing they have going on there in Birmingham."

Big Spoon will take the place of Lichita's ice cream shop at Mae's. Quick said Lichita's left in late January.

"We wish those guys well and hope them the best," he said.

As for how that space will be different once Big Spoon moves in, Quick shared, "We are in the process of building them out now, kind of getting a new, fresh look on the space and the really cook design concept they went with."

Big Spoon makes its waffle cones fresh in-house. In addition to original ice cream flavors, it also serves all the traditional treats such as sundaes and ice cream sandwiches.

Find out more at www.bigspooncreamery.com.

Images courtesy of Big Spoon Creamery.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Funeral services for Margaret Edna Morton, 93, of Hanceville will be held Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. at Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel, Sammy Reid officiating, with interment in Mt. Zion Cemetery at Corner. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Mrs. Morton passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2018 at Hanceville Nursing & Rehab.

She was born on February 15, 1925 in Tarrant City to John Benjamin & Velma Greathouse Armstrong and is preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Harvey, Charles, Carl and Allen Armstrong; two sisters, Eula Mae Morton and Johnnie Blaylock; and two grandsons, Richard L. and David Frank Box.

Survivors include two sons, Milton Gary Morton and Justin Dois Morton; a sister, Bobbie Taylor; three grandchildren: Stephanie Nicole Richards, Justin Courtney Morton and Delia Ann Box; and five great grandchildren: Ozzie Aaron Richards, Logan Alexander Richards, Demi Alyssa Richards, Ivey Elizabeth Box and Nikolette Richards.

John William Marlow, 91, was born on October 7, 1926, to William Odas and Annie Bell Runge Marlow. He passed February 14, 2018, at The Folsom Center.

Survivors include brothers: Louis Aaron (Ruth) Marlow, Gulfport, MS; and Charner Virgil Marlow, Cullman, AL; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Marlow was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Leva (Holmes) Marlow, and Sisters Minnie Faye Marlow Suits and Mary Frances Marlow Calvert.

He served in the U.S. Navy (1945- 1946) as a Seaman Second Class aboard the USS Williamsburg (VA) receiving the Victory and Asiatic- Pacific Medals. He spent many years working for Ingram Farms and self-employed farming.

Visitation will be Sunday, February 18, 2018 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with services, Monday February 19, 2018 at 1 PM. Mr. Marlow will be interred at Enon Baptist Church, Eva, Alabama.

Guests get to take home an original, handmade bowl. / Tribune file photo

CULLMAN - It’s time again for one of the most popular annual community events. On Monday, Feb. 19, First United Methodist Church Cullman will host the 15th annual Empty Bowls of Cullman County Chili Dinner. It will take place in the church’s Hearin Hall facility.         

The event, organized by Tanya Shearer, aims to raise money for the Cullman Caring for Kids United Way food bank. For a ticket price of $10, guests receive hot, homemade chili, a grilled cheese sandwich and a drink. Guests also get to take home an original handmade bowl.

“The idea is to sell a meal that doesn’t quite fully fill you up, and then you have your empty bowl and you’re reminded of all those less fortunate than you,” Shearer said.          

The bowls are hand crafted by local potters throughout the year.          

Shearer, who began the event as a service learning project back in 2003 when she was attending FUMC Cullman, got the idea from other similar events around the country. While Shearer has since left the FUMC Cullman congregation, she and the church have remained partners year after year to bring the event to the public.          

Shearer estimates that Empty Bowls of Cullman County has raised more than $100,000 for the food bank since 2003.          

“It’s really a great time to bring a lot of people together, you know?” she said. “It puts people in the same room that you normally wouldn’t see together. Different churches, different neighborhoods, all together for a great cause.”          

Every $10 purchase equals 70 pounds of food for the food bank. “That’s a pretty good deal,” Shearer said.          

The event will be going on from 4- 6:30 p.m., with dine-in, carry-out and drive-through options available.

For those who dine in, live gospel music will be provided by Enell Baker, Shannon Green, The Potentials and The Revelations.          

The chili is prepared by head chef Bobby Nolen and Clint Creel.

Tickets may be purchased at FUMC Cullman (320 Third St. SE) or Cullman Caring for Kids (402 Arnold St. NE).

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.       

For $10, guests received hot, homemade chili, a grilled cheese sandwich and a drink. Guests also got to take home an original handmade bowl. / Nick Griffin

CULLMAN - The 15th annual Empty Bowls of Cullman County Chili Dinner has come and gone, and First United Methodist Church Cullman hosted another large and hungry crowd Monday afternoon. The crowd started making its way in just before 4 p.m., whether it was to dine in, carry out or hit the drive-thru. This year’s event featured live entertainment from several southern gospel artists like Enell Baker, Shannon Green, The Potentials and The Revelations.

The event is a major fundraiser for the Cullman Caring for Kids United Way Food Bank, and its executive director, Javon Daniel, is always excited for this day of the year.

“Empty Bowls is by far the largest fundraiser that we have, it’s exciting. We just had prayer in one of the offices and it is so exciting to know that this is a Christian family event,” Daniel said.  You don’t have to worry about the language, you don’t have to worry about anything but just come out and enjoy yourself and have a great time. This is our 15th year and we’re asking God to give us another 15.”

The event has always been held at FUMC Cullman, and Daniel said he’s always appreciated the relationship between the church and Cullman Caring for Kids.

“They’ve all been here at First Methodist and it’s been a great partnership. A lot of our volunteers go to church here and they help organize the logistics part of it. So yeah., it’s been a really great working relationship with the church over the years,” he said. “This is definitely a community event and we at Cullman Caring for Kids are just very humbled that we are able to be the recipient of this fundraiser.”

All 15 Empty Bowls Chili Dinners have been organized by Tanya Shearer and she has seen the event grow over the years into more than she ever imagined when she came up with the idea more than a decade ago.

“It’s grown beyond what I originally thought. The first year we had a planning meeting and then had it two months later and we thought maybe a couple thousand dollars, maybe 200 people. We ended up serving 600 that night and making close to $6,000, so after that Javon (Daniel) said ‘This is an annual event.” I always envisioned it as a community coming together and a special night where we honor God,” Shearer said. “It is still the most precious thing to me, to see all the different people from different churches, people you don’t see very often because maybe you don’t work together or maybe don’t go to the same church, but we all come together and it’s just a very, very beautiful night in our community.”

The camaraderie and fellowship with so many people in the community are what mean the most to Shearer after all these years. She said she also enjoys seeing the crew come together each year to put this night together with their own skills.

“Although we raise money for the food bank, Javon agrees with me, the fellowship in the community is what is just so special. It is a very special night in our community and we just owe it all to God and we lift him up and give all the glory to him because his hand has been in it since the very beginning,” she said. “He assembled the people, and it has always been my great, great joy seeing all the people using their different gifts like Bobby Nolan in the kitchen, the people organizing the carry-out, the potters. The potters are our unsung heroes and I just love seeing everybody using their God-given gifts and talents to make this night very special. You just get to see the hand of God at work where he’s gifted people in different areas. I am very grateful.”

One of those potters that Shearer was praising is Wesley Abbot. Abbot has been part of the Empty Bowls event since the beginning and has been working with clay since 1947. Abbot couldn’t say exactly how many bowls he’s made for the event over the years but said he usually produces about 400 bowls for dinner annually.

Tickets to the event were $10 each, which equals 70 pounds of food for the food bank per ticket. Check www.CullmanTribune.com this week for the latest on Monday’s fundraising total.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, standing, addresses members of the Hanceville Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff's Office, Hanceville Fire and Rescue and others, including Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette, Hanceville High School Principal Jimmy Collins and Hanceville Mayor Kenneth Nail, on Monday. The group assembled to discuss safety measures at Hanceville schools. / W.C. Mann

HANCEVILLE - While students and most teachers took Presidents Day off, Hanceville High School Principal Jimmy Collins was hard at work, hosting a joint team of representatives from the Hanceville Police Department, Hanceville Fire and Rescue, and Cullman County Sheriff’s Office on a walk-through tour of all three public schools that share a campus in the city.  Mayor Kenneth Nail, Police Chief Bob Long, Fire Chief Rodger Green, Sheriff Matt Gentry and County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette were all in attendance, along with a host of law enforcement officers.

The groups came together for a detailed look at the schools’ facilities, examining layout, entrances, exits and campus access in order to give all agencies better chances to respond to acts of campus violence like the shooting that devastated Parkland, Florida last week.

Collins told The Tribune, “Our Mayor (Nail) just called us and asked what he could do to help out, and we came up with this plan to let everybody see the school; and then let everybody know how proactive we’re trying to be in this situation, to let everybody know that we’ve got people here who care about their kids, and we’re doing everything we can to prevent (school violence) to start with.  

“But in case it was to happen, you know, we’re prepared for that as well.  We’ve got Hanceville PD that’s only a block away from us, and you know that we’re ready for it, if it ever did.  

“But we’re doing a hundred percent, trying our best not for that situation to ever come about, with our teacher advisory groups being proactive in trying to get into those kids’ minds before, let them know that we’re here to help them out if they’re having some issues at home or here at school.  If they’re getting bullied at school, we have all kinds of (help for) that, to where they don’t get to the point to where they just have that feeling that there’s nobody there to help them.  And that’s the main thing we want this meeting to (be) about, and let everybody in the community know that.”

After an introductory discussion, Collins led the officers and officials hallway by hallway through multiple campus buildings at all three schools, looking at classroom and exterior doors and discussing ways to control campus access and react to an active shooter scenario.  For security reasons and at the principal’s request, specific details of the facilities and discussed procedures were not included in this article.

After the meeting, Barnette told The Tribune, “I’d just like to say how much I appreciate all these guys for coming and walking through the school.  I mentioned earlier that, you know, as long as there’s sin in the world, there’s going to be bad things go on, but I think we can do everything we can do to be better prepared to prevent it--number one--and to make it as small as possible--number two--if something does happen and be able to respond and react fast.

“It makes me weak in my knees, you know, I want to throw up when I think of what happened last week in Florida, and if something like that ever happened in Cullman County, it just breaks my heart.  But we’ve still got to be prepared for it and do everything we can do to be prepared.”

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The West Point Town council met Monday, Feb. 19. / W.C. Mann

WEST POINT - After confusion over the wording of an online report about the town’s reception of a community development grant led to angry exchanges between Mayor Kenneth Kilgo and a few local residents, and after the cancellation of January’s meeting due to the lack of a quorum, the West Point Town Council was ready to get back down to business Monday evening.  

The grant at the center of the controversy was received for infrastructure development, to construct a deceleration/turn lane and access road on Alabama Highway 157 that would aid in the development of retail properties around the town’s main highway intersection, but unclear wording led to the assumption that the private retail properties themselves would be developed with the government grant and matching local funds.

As he prepared to give an update on the deceleration lane, Kilgo took a moment to apologize for his part in the controversy.

“As y’all know,” said the mayor, “we’ve been doing this a long time, now.  We’ve been working on this turn lane for two years.  Got overwhelming response: positive emails, text messages, Facebook messages, phone calls.  

“It’s like any other thing, and I’ve been down this road before and should have known better.  It’s my mistake.  We had some naysayers, some people who made some allegations that basically I had done something crooked to make this happen; which in the interim would mean that we all done something crooked, because we’ve been in this together.  I was out of character, out of context; made a couple of comments making some allegations that folks wasn’t either too bright or something else, and I was wrong; and I want to apologize to you.”

Shane Burns, who was one of the residents on the other side of the controversy, was present at the meeting.  He offered his own apology for his part and assured the council that his presence at this meeting did not mean a continuation of the controversy.  

“My reason for being here,” said Burns, “ain’t to start no trouble at all, but if I’m going to live in a community, then I do need to be informed.”

Kilgo welcomed Burns to the meeting, and the two shared a cordial exchange before getting down to business.

Kilgo then updated the council on the deceleration/turn lane project, noting that notification of the grant was just the beginning of a process, and that the money would not be received immediately.  The Town has recently completed its registration in the necessary grant management systems and is awaiting approvals from the State Historical Commission and Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) on its environmental studies plan.  The Town hopes to send the project out to bid shortly after the paperwork is completed.

In other business, the mayor shared that the Town hopes to take ownership of the West Point High School tennis courts soon.  If the Cullman County School Board deeds the property to West Point, according to Kilgo, the school will remain the primary user of the courts.  Town ownership will make available certain grants available to municipalities but not to schools, that can improve the existing facility and expand the current four courts to six.  With the two extra courts, the resulting facility will be able to host Alabama High School Athletic Association tennis tournaments, which the mayor pointed out could bring substantial money into the town and its businesses.

The mayor also announced town plans to annex property belonging to Enoch Morris on County Road 1246.  The measure had already been approved, and the forms just needed the property owner’s signature.  The council also discussed the possibility of annexing properties on County Road 1123, since certain property owners in that area have expressed an interest in coming into the town.

Parks and Recreation Committee Chairman, Councilman Darion Daniel announced that he had located an infield grooming machine available for $2,800.  The council found the price agreeable and voted to purchase the item.

While on the topic of parks and recreation, the council also approved a measure to require background checks on all assistant coaches.  The Town already runs checks on senior team coaches.  To a question about the number of assistant coaches and possible expense, Councilman Frankie Jones said, “You can’t put a price on the safety of a child.”

The West Point Town Council meets at 6 p.m. on the third Monday of each month at West Point Town Hall.  The public is invited to attend.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

MONTGOMERY - Alabama is observing its seventh annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday this weekend. It will run from Friday, Feb. 23 through Sunday, Feb. 25.

Alabamians can restock on emergency supplies during the three-day tax holiday. Certain emergency preparedness items will be exempt from the state’s 4-percent state sales tax, and in Cullman County, local taxes are waived on those items as well, meaning a savings of 10 percent locally.

From 12:01 a.m. Feb. 23 to midnight Feb. 25, the tax-exempt items include the following, priced at $60 or less:

• Flashlights, lanterns
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radios
• Batteries
• First-aid kits
• Cell phone chargers
• Two-way radios
• Manual can openers
• Tarps and plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Fire extinguishers
• Tie-down kits, bungee cords or ropes

Other tax-free items include: coolers, ice packs, plywood, window film and smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Portable generators and power cords costing $1,000 or less are also tax-free. For a full list of tax-free items, go to www.alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays.

Alabama's tax holiday is the earliest among the four states with a severe weather preparedness sales tax holiday. The Texas tax holiday is in April, Louisiana's is in May and Virginia's is in August.

“Severe weather can occur at any time, in any season,” said Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown. “The tax holiday helps Alabama consumers remember to stock and prepare emergency kits to be ready when storms strike.”

Alabama Retail recommends having enough supplies in emergency kits to last 72 hours following a disaster. For information on what items to include in emergency kits, as well as steps to take before and after disasters, visit www.ready.gov.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Feb. 16-19. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Adkins, Jamie Rae, 33

• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Anders, Tyler Chance, 24

• failure to appear- driver’s license restriction violation

Atchley, Lonnie Roy, 44

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Bishop, Lisa Delaine, 49

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Boatright, Brittany Cheyenne, 20

• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Boone, John Thomas, 33

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• possession of prescription medicine
• fourth-degree theft of property

Brookover, Eddie Wayne, 46

• failure to appear- DUI- influence of alcohol

Chumley, Eric Reese, 18

• failure to appear- exceed speed zone, idle speed, no wake

Foshee, Jennifer Joy, 42

• second-degree bail jumping- second-degree promoting prison contraband

Gammon, Ryan Andrew, 26

• DUI- .08 BAC or greater

Gomer, Michael Shane, 31

• failure to appear- driving while revoked

Holliday, Vernon Eugene Jr., 28

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

Hubbard, Bridgette Nichole, 31

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Hunter, Lila Ann, 39

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Jones, James Edward, 47

• driving while suspended
• attempting to elude
• reckless endangerment
• switched tag

Lee, Jeffery Allen, 37

• probation violation- third-degree burglary

Mendoza, Victoria Michelle, 33

• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (3 counts)

New, Jamie O’Brian, 28

• failure to appear- DUI- any substance
• failure to appear- driving while suspended
• failure to appear- failure to yield- left turning vehicle
• failure to appear- improper lane usage
• failure to appear- proof of liability insurance required

Palka, Lauren Phillips, 34

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Parker, Michael James, 37

• failure to appear- third-degree burglary

Pate, Cody Wade, 31

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Schrader, Kerry Ann, 26

• chemical endangerment of a child

Smith, Pamela Jo, 59

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Stewart, Brian Wesley, 33

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Totman, Michael Lynn, 34

• failure to appear- second-degree criminal trespassing (2 counts)

Tsosie, Derek Lee, 28

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

Turner, Nicholas Sterling, 27

• failure to appear- driving while suspended (4 counts)
• failure to appear- tag light required

Turney, Tina Marie, 45

• third-degree domestic violence
• second-degree elder abuse and neglect
• interfering with a domestic violence emergency

Verus, Marcy Lynn, 46

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• failure to appear- second-degree receiving stolen property
• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Watts, Skylar Wayne, 25

• public intoxication

Woodson, Ashley Lashae, 27

• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Cullman Police Department

Eddy, Sandy D., 35

• failure to appear- giving false information to law enforcement

Terry, Cody W., 23

• failure to appear- attempting to elude
• failure to appear- resisting arrest

Holliday, Vernon E. Jr., 28

• failure to appear- harassment

New, Johnathan W., 33

• DUI

Smith, Timothy M., 31

• fourth-degree theft of property

Klosinski, Mary E., 28

• failure to appear- driving without a license
• failure to appear- insurance violation

Morton, Jon W., 28

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

Montgomery, Christopher E. 30

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hyde, David B., 34

• first-degree possession of a forged instrument

Czekalski, Brock A., 24

• failure to appear- driving while suspended
• failure to appear- insurance violation

Thomas, Callahan, 30

• first-degree theft of property

Moody, Susan B., 64

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance

Brannon, Ronall J., 45

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

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

Tina Marie Turney / Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

TRIMBLE - A Trimble woman was arrested Friday, charged with second-degree elder abuse and neglect, third-degree domestic violence and interfering with a domestic violence emergency

Deputies with the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested Tina Marie Turney, 45, at a home in Trimble. The CCSO said that after receiving information from a concerned citizen, personnel responded to the home in Trimble to check on the welfare of an elderly male. According to the CCSO, after speaking with victim, it was evident he had been the victim of a domestic violence incident.

Turney lived with the victim, who depended on Turney to care for his needs. In the days leading up to her arrest, Turney allegedly assaulted the victim and took his phone so he couldn’t call authorities. Warrants were obtained and Turney was subsequently arrested.

The CCSO said the victim in this case was taken to a safe location with the assistance of the Cullman County Department of Human Resources.           

“It is always disappointing when someone in a position of trust mistreats the very one they are supposed to provide care for,” said Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry. “I am proud of the hard work by our deputies and investigators in this case to remove this victim from his situation.”

The CCSO expressed thanks to Cullman County DHR for its assistance.

Turney has been released on a $25,000 bond.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

13-year-old Tripp Taylor speaks at Daystar Church. / Courtesy of Taylor family

GOOD HOPE - When Robert Taylor lost his sister Ashley Taylor to a heroin overdose in Dec. 2016, he was overwhelmed.  He and his wife had helped raise his sister after the death of their father when Ashley was 11 years old.  She became almost a child of the family, and a sister to Robert Taylor’s children.

“It really took a toll on me, and it really took a very bad toll on my wife.  Well, we had a 10-year-old and a 12-year-old also, and they looked at her more like a sister than an aunt, you know.  And we never realized what effect it had on them.”

When Robert Taylor ran into a local pastor who struck up a conversation about Robert’s son, the now 13-year-old Tripp Taylor, the dad discovered that his son had been in touch with several local churches about starting a ministry for kids whose parents are no longer around, especially due to drugs.  When he spoke to Tripp about his idea, his son told him:

“You know, Daddy, I go to school with a bunch of kids, and I see it.  In their eyes, I can see it: that they’re hurting.  And everybody always focuses on the addict--we’ve got to get them clean, got to get them out of jail and back at work, and all that.  

“A lot of times, the kids sit back and go ‘Why? Why is my mother on drugs?’ or ‘Why is my daddy in jail?’ or ‘Why do I live with my grandparents?’ or somebody else.  I just want to be a voice for the voiceless.  I want to reach out to these kids, and share the love of God, and let them know that somebody cares.  If we don’t, the apples don’t fall far from the tree.”

Starting in 2017 the Taylor family has participated in numerous heroin addiction awareness events from Birmingham to Huntsville.  Since that time, Tripp Taylor has begun receiving invitations to speak to churches and recovery groups across the state.  In 2017, he and his family organized their efforts into an active group, about which he explained to The Tribune:

“My organization is called ‘My Story Isn’t Over: The Right Fight Outreach,’ and we’re an outreach ministry to help troubled kids in bad homes.  This, most of the time, includes parents who have an addiction, they’re incarcerated, they’ve passed away from an addiction, or walked out of their lives.  And what we’re passionate about is trying to bring these kids to God, and giving them a hope, and being a voice for them, because they don’t know how to speak for themselves because they’ve felt unwanted for so long.”

Recently, even churches in Birmingham have cranked up their own similar programs, based on Tripp’s model.  The Taylors hope to see similar movements rise up in communities all over the state.

On Tuesday evening, ahead of this Saturday’s heroin awareness walk in Birmingham, My Story Isn’t Over: The Right Fight Outreach will hold a meeting at 6 p.m. at Church 212, 4690 County Road 437, Cullman.  At the meeting, visitors will have the opportunity to meet Tripp and hear his story, find out what the organization is doing, and find ways they can become involved.  The public and especially those who are struggling with the loss or absence of a parent are invited and encouraged to attend.

Tripp Taylor told us at the end of our conversation:

“What I would want people to know, for the most part, is what we do at My Story Isn’t Over: The Right Fight Outreach, and that is we go out and serve these kids, and we give them a way to feel welcome and a child of God.  See, they may not feel like a child in their own home, but if they can turn to God and learn to focus on Him, they will be a child of God through Him.

“So I think the biggest thing I would want people to know about us is that we’re God-centered, and we want to be a voice for these kids, and just bring them hope in their everyday lives.”

At a glance

My Story Isn’t Over: The Right Fight Outreach public information meeting

Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 6 p.m.

Church 212, 4690 County Road 437, Cullman

For more information, visit www.mystorythefightoutreach.com/ or www.facebook.com/MyStoryTheFightOutreach.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Wallace State Community College Quiz Bowl team earned a spot in the National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Community College Championship in Chicago, Ill., March 2-3, 2018. Members are, from left, Elivia Jones, Caleb Still, Zakk Waddell, Paul Knetter, Ross Wallace and Derik Arendall. Not pictured is Brett Hogan.

HANCEVILLE - The Wallace State Community College Quiz Bowl team earned a trip to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments’ Community College Championship in Chicago, Ill., after qualifying for the event in a competition held at Bevill State Community College in Jasper. This will be the team's third trip to nationals, finishing 11th in the nation in 2012 and 9th last year in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They will enter the 2018 national tournament with their best regular-season record.

For the 2017-2018 competition year, the WSCC Quiz Bowl team has finished in first place at all of their tournaments. Wallace State Quiz Bowl team members are Zakk Waddell, Ross Wallace, Derik Arendall, Paul Knetter, Brett Hogan, Caleb Still and Elivia Jones. Waddell, Wallace and Arendall are West Point High graduates. Knetter is from Gardendale, Hogan is from Fairview, Still is from Cullman and Jones is from Baileyton.

Christine O’Leary, a Wallace State physics instructor, is the team sponsor.

Korean War veteran/POW Norman Hale addressed the opening session of the Cullman County Sheriff's Office Citizens' Academy Tuesday evening. / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - The newest installment of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) popular Citizens’ Academy started Tuesday evening at the CCSO Training Center adjacent to the sheriff’s office/detention center. The program gives residents an inside look at how the CCSO and other law enforcement agencies work; with participants touring the sheriff’s office and Cullman County Detention Center, participating in shooting simulations at Wallace State and live-fire exercises on the range, learning about numerous CCSO programs and procedures, and riding along with deputies on patrol

According to Capt. Mark Persall, 87 residents enrolled in the academy this time, and, even with a few inevitable last-minute withdrawals, the class still kicked off with 82 in attendance.  

And it’s not all just about cops-and-robbers stuff, either.  Participants will get the opportunity to meet local and state elected officials, and other interesting dignitaries.  On opening night, students were treated to a presentation followed by informal Q&A with Korean War veteran Norman Hale, who spent more than two years as a POW.

Sheriff Matt Gentry said about having the public come out for Citizens’ Academy:

“I get very excited when I see a group this large that wants to be involved in their county.  First and foremost, it’s an honor and a privilege for me to be the sheriff of Cullman County.  This is my home, and this is where I was born, and this is where I’ll die.  So I tell the other 66 sheriffs, I say, ‘I live in the greatest county in the state of Alabama, and it’s because of our citizens.’

“One of the things we believe in at the CCSO, and this is something that we campaigned on, and this is something that we believe with all of our hearts--we talk about this all the time: the sheriff’s office doesn’t belong to me, it doesn’t belong to the deputies; it belongs to all of us.  And we, as a community, make our sheriff’s office strong.”

The Citizens’ Academy is a nine-week course. Participants meet weekly and at the end will take part in a graduation ceremony.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Cullman Electric Cooperative will host a free screening of the IMAX movie “Dream Big: Engineering Our World” on Thursday evening. / Dream Big

CULLMAN - Calling all girls and boys, young and old! On Thursday night, Feb. 22, the Cullman Electric Cooperative (CEC) is hosting a screening of the IMAX movie “Dream Big: Engineering Our World.” In addition to the free screening, guests will get a “behind-the-scenes tour of the co-op to see just how we engineer the electrical system that brings power to our community,” according to the CEC.  The night’s events are a part of National Engineers Week and Girls Night Out. The event starts at 5:30 p.m.

“We want to be a part of the lives of our community’s children; we want to help to inspire them, and help recruit the next generation of engineers,” said Bonnie Baty, who is the co-op’s communications specialist.

Baty, who’s job includes figuring out ways to engage with the community in unique ways, secured the rights to screen a new IMAX film in Cullman.

“While we don’t have the giant screen, I have already watched it to make sure everything is up and running, and it looks great!” she said.

“We want people to see what we do,” Baty said. “You know, you don’t often think about it in this way, that we have engineers, but we do, and maybe seeing what we do here might inspire someone else.”

The Thursday of National Engineering Week was chosen by the CEC for its event because it is the day of the week that is specifically geared toward engaging young girls who have an interest in engineering.

“We want to not only empower these girls, but also inspire them if this is something they might be interested in,” Baty said. “But, everyone is absolutely welcome on Thursday, this isn’t a girls-only event.”

The film is 45-minutes long, and if the group is large enough, will be shown twice.

“We’re thinking, if the turn-out is as great as we hope it might be, that we’ll split everyone up into two groups, and one group will get a tour while the other watches the movie. Then they’ll switch,” Baty explained.

Popcorn and refreshments will be served. Children in attendance will receive a special gift.

The Cullman Electric Cooperative is located at 1749 Eva Road NE in Cullman.

To learn more about the “Dream Big” movie, visit www.dreambigfilm.com.

For more on National Engineers Week and Girls Night Out, see www.discovere.org/our-programs/engineers-week.

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Feb. 20. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Bennett, Jenna Brooke, 29

• probation denied- second-degree permitting escape

Clayton, Thomas Lee, 27

• failure to appear- speeding

Dauksza, Christopher Lee, 32

• failure to appear- third-degree domestic violence/ third-degree assault
• failure to appear- third-degree domestic violence harassment
• failure to appear- harassment

Davis, Jeremy James, 37

• third-degree domestic violence harassment

Dozier, Kellie Lynn, 26

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

Duke, Michael Ray, 36

• probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Gentry, Jennifer Leigh, 35

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

McDonald, Steven Scott, 32

• third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument (2 counts)
• third-degree forgery (2 counts)
• fourth-degree theft of property (2 counts)

Moore, Ashley Denise, 33

• failure to appear- failure to appear/comply/pay

Rhoades, Joseph Donzell Jr., 51

• failure to update required registration information- SORNA

Smith, Amy Katherine, 42

• third-degree domestic violence harassment

Waldrop, Jesse Camillis Jr., 73

• harassment

Watson, Elizabeth Kaylynn, 26

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

Westmoreland, Monica Lashaye, 35

• grand jury- first-degree theft of property

Westmoreland, Steven Ray, 38

• grand jury- first-degree theft of property

Williams, Daniel Glenn, 47

• fleeing/attempting to elude
• resisting arrest
• third-degree robbery
• unauthorized use/ breaking and entering of a motor vehicle

Cullman Police Department

Watwood, Sandra T., 57

• fourth-degree theft of property

Moore, Jessica S., 36

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• resisting arrest

Goodwin, Gary W., 53

• unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts)
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Looney, Tracy L., 52

• failure to appear- third-degree theft of property

McKenzie, Cameron B., 23

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

Kirby, Marcus D., 41

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

Moore, Ashley D., 33

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

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

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

Signing a letter of intent to enroll in the Agricultural Production/Horticulture Department and with instructor Anthony Hilliard was Andrea Shockley.

HANCEVILLE– Noah Henderson can’t wait to begin his collegiate career in Wallace State’s Engineering Technology program after he graduates high school.

Meanwhile, Quenton Karlberg, 58, is impressed with the diverse set of students he sees in Wallace State’s HVAC/Refrigeration program.

Both Henderson and Karlberg attended and participated in Wallace State’s recent 3rd annual Career and Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day ceremony, confirming their intentions to join the college in their respective programs.

“This is an exciting event. It makes you feel welcome and gives you a chance to meet new people who are interested in the same things you are,” said Henderson, from Cold Springs.

“Once I became interested in HVAC, I watched the program video and fell in love with it. I love the structure of the classroom and how hands-on the program is for students. It’s also great how there are four generations of people collaborating and working together towards the same goal, whether it’s the instructors or students. It’s a great dynamic,” Karlberg said.

Modeled after an athletics signing, the event allowed incoming students in the summer or fall to officially secure their commitment to Wallace State in their respective Applied Technologies programs. Wallace State’s Applied Technologies Department joined other colleges across the country by celebrating Signing Day in acknowledgment of National Career Technical Education (CTE) Month through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).

Wallace State welcomed approximately 50 students to the event, setting yet again a new mark in the event’s attendance. Students on hand committed to join the following Wallace State programs: agricultural production/horticulture, diesel technology, electronics technology, engineering technology, HVAC/refrigeration, machine tool technology, and salon and spa management.

“We are excited to have all of these students here, and I hope they savor the moment. This event grows in popularity more and more and it’s because the demand for skilled labor is at an all-time high. We are getting calls every day from companies wanting to hire our students. I’m glad these students have decided to choose a career in a technical field. This will make a huge impact on their lives. It’s a life-changing decision,” said Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s Dean of Applied Technologies. “I’m also excited about the parents who attended today. This is one of the best parental support groups I’ve seen.”

Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics addressed the crowd at the outset of the event, welcoming the students and citing the accomplishments of the college.

“Thank you for choosing us, and thank you for letting us be a part of your life and your story. Today is the beginning of the story that will define you. We are glad you are here,” Karolewics said.

Representatives from Snap-On, one of Wallace State’s industry partners, were also on hand for the ceremony.

Each incoming student was recognized individually, signing with their respective programs as their future instructors looked on. Students received a Wallace State hat upon signing and had the opportunity to tour their department on campus.

The letters the students signed stated: “I, the undersigned student, understand that with this Letter of Intent I am occupying one of the very limited training openings in this technology education program and I am committed to successful completion of this program. I understand I will be trained to work in a highly-technical occupation and I will graduate workplace ready.”

You can watch the Signing Day video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpkmJo27PYE

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

CULLMAN - Cullman County Animal Shelter’s Donna Ruttkay introduces us to our Pet of the Week:

“Task is a female Weimaraner/Lab mix who is approximately 1.5 years old, with uncommon coat coloration.  She’s easygoing with a low to medium energy level and is quite affectionate.  She would be delighted to hang out in a large grassy yard. 

“Task is new to leash etiquette but is learning quickly with the help of shelter volunteers who note that she seems to enjoy taking on new challenges.”

Task’s adoption fee is $90 including: DHLPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccines, rabies vaccine, wormer, general exam at the vet, spay, 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.

Image shows online threat made to Good Hope High School Wednesday night. / Courtesy of Cullman County Schools

CULLMAN - The source of an anonymous online threat made Wednesday night against Good Hope High School has been identified, said Cullman County Schools Superintendent Shane Barnette.

Barnette said a student at the school made the threat, which appeared on social media.

"The student has been identified," Barnette said. "The student did express remorse and say that the post was only a joke, but the student has been turned over to the Cullman County Sheriff's Office."

Officials are not releasing the student's name at this time.

The source of the threat that was texted to Vinemont High School students, also on Wednesday night, has not been identified.

Barnette said today will be an excused absence for Good Hope and Vinemont students whose parents chose to keep them at home.

Both Cullman County Schools and Cullman City Schools have increased security today due to the threats.

Ed Roberson, chief financial officer of Cullman County Schools, said while county schools are not on soft lockdown, there are more Cullman County Sheriff's Office deputies on campuses.

"All the rumors have been followed up on, and no credible threats have been found. They were just rumors," said Roberson. "Schools are not under a soft lockdown today. We do have some additional safety measures in place. We have some additional staff from the central office as well as and some additional officers from the sheriff's department at some schools today. We want everybody to know that any time there's some type of questionable social media post, that we always report it to the proper authorities to be investigated. We take anything like that very seriously, and we hope that they're able to determine who's doing this so those people can be dealt with as soon as possible."

Roberson said the threats were made from fake social media profiles.

Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson said, "Due to the threats made against area schools, Cullman City Schools will operate under increased safety. Our schools will be following their soft lockdown procedures to better ensure student safety. These efforts are being made in the best interest of student and staff safety, and are not due to any direct threat against schools within our district."

Copyright 2018 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Feb. 21. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

GJ = grand jury

Aaron, Amos Moses, 31

• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- first-degree theft of property (2 counts)

Asherbraner, Leslie Carlton, 45

• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property

Ballard, Joseph Adam, 33

• GJ- third-degree theft of property

Brown, Brandon William, 20

• GJ- sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12

Brown, Cody Weston, 26

• GJ- second-degree assault
• GJ- second-degree criminal justice

Brown, Dayron Daniel, 43

• GJ- first-degree theft of property (4 counts)
• GJ- second-degree theft of property
• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- third-degree receiving stolen property

Cammon, Michael Eugene, 53

• GJ- third-degree burglary
• GJ- public intoxication
• GJ- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle

Cloud, Jason Lynn, 39

• GJ- prohibited residence- residing with a minor- SORNA

Cooper, Kevin Lynn, 45

• GJ- second-degree theft of property

Copeland, Cameron Kyle-Allen, 19

• GJ- criminal use of defense spray

Daugette, Paula Ann, 40

• GJ- second-degree receiving stolen property

Dotson, David Keith, 49

• GJ- trafficking in methamphetamine
• GJ- possession of drug paraphernalia
• GJ- possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance

Duke, Donna Marie, 34

• GJ- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle

Farr, Justin Wayne, 26

• GJ- third-degree receiving stolen property

Gullion, Kristen Leigh, 30

• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property

Haynes, Joshua Aaron, 27

• GJ- third-degree burglary

Higginbotham, Justin Blake, 26

• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- fleeing/attempting to elude
• GJ- resisting arrest
• GJ- possession of drug paraphernalia
• GJ- first-degree criminal mischief (3 counts)

Hill, Clyde Junior, 38

• GJ- obstruction- using a false ID
• GJ- third-degree burglary

Hook, Samuel Joseph, 28

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Hyde, Jerald Lee, 41

• GJ- second-degree assault

James, Gregory Merle, 39

• GJ- incest
• GJ- first-degree rape
• GJ- second-degree rape

Johnson, Chase Ryan, 18

• GJ- third-degree burglary
• GJ- minor in possession of alcohol

Lawrence, Raymond David, 29

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (4 counts)

League, Cobie Thomas, 19

• GJ- possession of prescription medicine
• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle (3 counts)

Lindner, William Adam, 61

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Link, Adam Colby, 26

• GJ- third-degree burglary

Loyd, Dylan Keith, 26

• GJ- attempting to elude
• GJ- possession of drug paraphernalia
• GJ- first-degree theft of property
• GJ- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- third-degree receiving stolen property
• GJ- driving while suspended
• GJ- reckless driving
• GJ- speeding

Marsh, Dylan Lee, 19

• GJ- possession of prescription medicine
• GJ- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle (4 counts)
• GJ- second-degree theft of property

McDonald, Steven Scott, 32

• first-degree financial exploitation of the elderly
• first-degree theft of property
• fourth-degree theft of property
• trafficking in stolen identities

McLeod, Shana Hilliard, 31

• GJ- third-degree burglary
• GJ- second-degree theft of property

Moore, Ashley Denise, 33

• non support

Morgan, Crystal Lynn, 35

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Ortiz, Francisco Aviles, 26

• GJ- first-degree assault (2 counts)
• GJ- third-degree burglary

Roden, Joshua Michael, 32

• GJ- third-degree receiving stolen property

Sharitt, Timothy Jay, 33

• violation of protection order
• distributing a private image

Sims, Matthew Jonah, 48

• GJ- third-degree receiving stolen property

Smith, William Lynn, 43

• GJ- murder (2 counts)

Taimi, Tei Ti Jr., 35

• GJ- third-degree burglary (2 counts)

Tytler, Joshua Sean, 37

• GJ- first-degree rape (2 counts)
• GJ- sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12
• GJ- first-degree sodomy

Vinson, Curtis Eugene, 61

• failure to appear- DUI- controlled substance

Waldrop, Wade Allen, 40

• GJ- first-degree rape
• GJ- sexual abuse of a child under the age of 12

Cullman Police Department

Lawrence, Katelynn M., 20

• failure to appear- speeding

Gentry, Jennifer L., 35

• contempt of court

Burgreen, Joshua C., 19

• contempt of court

Fuller, Evan J. III, 22

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• carrying a pistol without a license

Morgan, Crystal L., 35

• failure to appear- insurance violation

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported.

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