Caleb Schmale (center) and Garrett Smith (right), along with Garrett Evans and Jonah Moss (not pictured), joined students from other systems signing with Wallace State’s Machine Tool Technology program during Thursday's National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day.  (Photo courtesy Tim White/CATA)

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - On Thursday morning, as part of National CTE (Career Technical Education) Letter of Intent Signing Day (NC3), four students from the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) signed commitments to enroll in Wallace State Community College’s Department of Applied Technologies.  Cullman High School seniors Garrett Evans, Jonah Moss, Caleb Schmale and Garrett Smith are currently enrolled in CATA’s Precision Machining program, and will join Wallace State’s Machine Tool Technology program in the fall.

CATA Precision Machining instructor Tim White said, “We wish them the best of success!”

According to the Wallace State, its Machine Tool Technology program “trains students to carry through to completion the construction and repair of all kinds of metallic and non-metallic parts, tools and machines. It also teaches students to understand blueprints and specifications. Students will learn to use all machinists’ hand tools and machine tools such as lathes, drill presses, milling machines, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, computer-assisted programming equipment and graphics programming.”

Machine tool technology is a high demand field.  Wallace State reports that employers across the country have trouble finding qualified workers.  Income in the field averages almost $19 per hour, with a wage range that can reach more than $28 per hour.

For more on Wallace State’s Machine Tool Technology program, visit www.wallacestate.edu/programs/technical-division/machine-tool-technology.

For more on CATA, visit https://cata.ccboe.org.

For more on National CTE Letter of Intent Signing Day, see www.nc3.net/signing-day.

See the full Wallace State Community College 2019 NC3 Signing Day live stream, including all programs and students, below:

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas, VFW Post 2214 Commander Will Harris and District Judge Rusty Turner are leading the drive to establish a Veterans Treatment Court in Cullman County. (Cullman Tribune file photo)

CULLMAN, Ala. - In their continuing efforts to establish a Veterans Treatment Court in Cullman County, Circuit Judge Gregory Nicholas and District Judge Rusty Turner, along with Cullman VFW Post 2214, are seeking to recruit mentors--especially other veterans--to work with veterans who find themselves in the county’s legal system for nonviolent offenses that may be tied to substance abuse or mental disorders like PTSD.

To that end, on Thursday, Feb. 27 they will host Col. Ray Zimmerman, a veteran of both the U.S. Army and Madison County’s established Veterans Treatment Court, at the Cullman VFW Post, 112 Veterans Dr. SW, at 6 p.m.

In a statement, Nicholas shared:

Col. Ray Zimmerman, a lead mentor for the Madison County Veterans Court, will be at the Cullman VFW on Feb. 27, 2019 at 6 p.m. to answer questions for local veterans who may be interested in serving as mentors in the newly formed Cullman Veterans Court. 

Veterans Treatment Courts hold individuals accountable for their actions while also providing treatment for service related issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain disorders, substance addictions and similar problems.  The Veterans Treatment Courts unique approach is able to facilitate communication between the Veterans Affairs Administration and other Veterans organizations to provide treatment and other services that address the underlying problem so that individuals are less likely to reoffend in the future. 

Having dedicated mentors is the key to a successful Veterans Court Treatment program that will ultimately not only improve the lives of all veterans living in our community, but make our community a safer place for everyone.  Any veteran interested in serving as a veteran’s mentor is encouraged to attend the meeting to learn more about the program.

The guest speaker at this event, Col. Ray Zimmerman, has an engineering background and worked many years for Thiokol Corporation, the producer of solid propellant rocket motors for space and defense applications.  As an engineer at Thiokol, Zimmerman worked on programs supporting satellite launch vehicles and weapon systems. Zimmerman served a total of 31 years either on active duty with the U.S. Army or in the U.S. Army Reserves.  During his military career, Zimmerman served as a member of several General Staffs (Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel and Logistics, 81st Regional Support Command) and as Chief of Staff (87th Division (Exercise).  His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit (w/OLC [oak leaf cluster]), the Meritorious Service Medal (w/ OLC), and the Army Commendation Medal (w/4 OLC). Col. Zimmerman was awarded the Honorable Order of St. Barbara.  He is an inductee in the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame and is also a graduate of the Army War College. In addition to his professional activities, Zimmerman is involved in a number of civic activities. He is the past Executive VP of the North Alabama Veterans Coalition and since August 2013 he has served as a mentor with the Madison County Veterans Court, helping train many of the mentors presently serving in that program.

Mentors key to Veterans Court success

A veterans court will partner with local law enforcement, mental health services, veterans’ services agencies and others to bring resources together from a broad range of disciplines to help participants, but the main points of contact between veterans and the program are other veterans who serve as mentors.

Nicholas previously told The Tribune, “We’re really fortunate, I think, in this county that we do have people in the DA’s office, and the judges, and the law enforcement that are committed to veterans.  And this concept is something that we’re all invested in, but it’s really not going to work without the mentors. The mentors really are the heart and soul of this program, because they provide the tools that are necessary to help that individual that has run afoul of the law kind of navigate through the judicial system.

“Now, again, the mentors are very helpful; they’re going to help navigate.  They’re not going to be therapists, they’re not going to be lawyers, but they’re still going to be instrumental, really, in helping the veterans court program succeed.”

In many veterans courts across the country, mentors do not have to be veterans themselves, but the judges and local VFW post hope to see Cullman County’s mentors come from the veteran community, believing that veterans and their families in times of crisis would benefit from having people with them who understand their experiences, are familiar with the military lifestyle and can speak the language. 

Volunteers will undergo training led by instructors like Zimmerman from established veterans court programs.

What does the Veterans Treatment Court do?

Nicholas explained, “A Veterans Treatment Court is a specialty court that is designed to deal with veterans who have gotten into minor trouble with the criminal justice system, but individuals who are charged with more serious criminal offenses are not permitted to participate in the program. Veterans Treatment Courts hold individuals accountable for their wrongful actions, but also attempt to address the underlying reason for their aberrant behavior.

“Military service is a positive experience for most people, but for some, especially those who have served in combat situations, their military service has created or exacerbated mental health conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury or substance abuse problems. Unfortunately, it’s not unusual for these individuals who have returned from active duty to be arrested for drug possession, domestic disturbances or even stealing to support their drug habit. Historically, courts have adjudicated those individuals guilty and for more serious offenses have imposed jail or prison sentences. But eventually, the defendant is released from incarceration without the underlying cause of his (or her) criminal behavior ever being addressed. That cycle can go on for years and really doesn’t rehabilitate the defendant or make our community any safer.

“Veteran Treatment Courts have specially trained judges, administrators and mentors that understand the specific mental health issues presented and are aware of the resources available through the VA that can be utilized. Generally, a defendant participating in a Veterans Treatment Court must appear before a judge at least once or twice a month so that his or her compliance with previous court orders can be monitored. Each defendant is also assigned a veteran mentor at the time he or she enters the program and the mentor offers encouragement and helps monitor compliance with the treatment recommendations that have been made. When a defendant has failed to comply with court-ordered random drug testing or treatment recommendations, sanctions are also immediately imposed by the Veterans Treatment Court judge. Because of this intensive supervision that is designed to address the underlying drug or mental health problem, those individuals who graduate from a Veterans Treatment Court are far less likely to reoffend in the future.”

Doing right by veterans

In announcing the plan to form a Cullman County Veterans Treatment Court last fall, Nicholas said, “Here’s the situation: we can always lock people up, and if locking people up was the only answer, we could do that.  But what happens is we lock people up, and they’re going to serve their time. They’re going to be accountable, and they’re going to be accountable even in the veterans court, because I think that’s important for that individual and it’s certainly important for our community that people be accountable for their choices.

“But by addressing the underlying problem, whatever that may be, if it’s drugs, we can look at that; if the underlying problem is some kind of post-traumatic stress syndrome, if we address that problem, then they’re not going to reoffend.  So, community safety is going to be enhanced, and certainly that individual veteran’s life is going to be better, because they’re not going to have the same problems that they’ve experienced, if we give them the treatment that they, quite frankly, earned.

“They were serving us.  In most cases, that’s why they’re in the predicament that they’re in, because of their experiences, especially in a combat situation. I think it’s important for us as a community to keep faith with those veterans that have really served us. I think it’s our opportunity to turn around and try to make sure that we do right by them, as well.”

Get involved

If you are a veteran and are interested in helping other veterans through the mentoring program, please come to Thursday’s meeting at VFW Post 2214, 112 Veterans Dr. SW in Cullman, at 6 p.m. or contact Post Commander Will Harris at 256-739-6611 or twodogwill@hotmail.com.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Five Below store in the Cullman Shopping Center is in the former Hancock Fabrics location. / MRP file photo from July 2017

CULLMAN, Ala. -  A bomb threat called in threatening the Five Below store in the Cullman Shopping Shopping Center on Saturday turned out to be a false alarm.

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said the call was made at approximately 1 p.m. He said after police investigated, it was determined the threat was false.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Top row, left to right: Christian Davis Barnett, Lisa Diane Wise and Billy Leon Williams, Jr.; Bottom row, left to right: Ashley Denise Moore, Ben Cody Scruggs and Courtney Lamar Copes (Cullman Police Department)

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit (CSU) on Saturday reported the arrests of six people. The arrests are from three separate incidents.

The CSU arrested Christian Davis Barnett, 22, of Cullman, charging him with four counts of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly selling methamphetamine. He was also charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.  

The CPD said Barnett was out on bond for multiple felony charges at the time of his arrest.  He was booked into the Cullman County Detention Center where he remains incarcerated. 

In a second incident, the CSU arrested Lisa Diane Wise, 47, of Vinemont, charging her with unlawful distribution of a controlled substance for allegedly selling methamphetamine. She was also charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

Wise has made bond.

In a third incident, the CSU arrested Billy Leon Williams, Jr., 35, of Cullman after executing a search warrant at his residence. Officers allegedly recovered more than a pound of high-grade marijuana, along with drug paraphernalia items.  Williams, Jr. was charged with first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The CPD said Williams, Jr. was on probation at the time of his arrest.  He was booked into the Cullman County Detention Center where he remains incarcerated. 

In a fourth incident, the CSU, along with patrol officers Jake Lambert, Clint Sanford and Bryan Medlock, went to the Days Inn off U.S. Highway 278 West in reference to a civil disturbance call.  After gaining consent to search the room, officers allegedly recovered methamphetamine, crack cocaine, marijuana and a stolen handgun. 

Ashley Denise Moore, 34, and Ben Cody Scruggs, 31, both of Cullman, were charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and fourth-degree receiving stolen property. The CPD said Moore also had outstanding warrants at the time of the arrest. 

Courtney Lamar Copes, 36, of Birmingham was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and fourth-degree receiving stolen property.  The CPD said Copes is on probation in Jefferson County and had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

All three suspects were booked into the Cullman County Detention Center where they remain incarcerated. 

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The St. Andrews United Methodist Church Youth’s Free Food Pantry is at the corner of Main Avenue and Sixth Street Southwest in Cullman. It is located in the north parking lot of the church. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - A free food pantry has been set up at the corner of Main Avenue and Sixth Street Southwest in Cullman, thanks to the youth of St. Andrews United Methodist Church. The pantry is stocked and open to community members in need. It is located in the north parking lot of the church.

The church’s youth group wanted to give back to the church’s neighbors and landed on the idea of a food pantry. Through its backpack ministry, the church has been assisting West Elementary, and it has also been sponsoring children at Christmastime for many years. The youth wanted to do their part as well.

Youth Director David Speegle and wife Rita helped the youth group with its plans. Church member Ricky Nails built the pantry, and the church members keep the pantry stocked.

Rita Speegle said, “Our ladies’ Bible study group has been bringing food every Sunday, and our cabinets in the fellowship hall are full. We don’t need any assistance or donations right now. We just want to get the word out to families and kids in the neighborhood that the pantry is here to help them if they need it.”

The youth group wanted the pantry to have easy, ready-to-eat items for kids. It includes items like Beanee Weenee, packets of crackers with peanut butter and other snacks. The pantry also has other items that don’t require cooking, along with plastic eating utensils.

Added Rita Speegle, “If this pantry goes over well, we hope to add another larger pantry next to the small one we have now.”

The youth group has also discussed adding hygiene items and other necessities. 

“Our kids recognize the importance of ministering to those in the neighborhood, and we really hope people use it and it goes well,” said Rita Speegle.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (file photo courtesy of Governor's Office, Sydney A. Foster)

MONTGOMERY, Ala.– Gov. Kay Ivey has issued a State of Emergency effective at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019, for several Alabama counties due to flooding caused by heavy rains over the past several days and ongoing severe weather today. The counties included are as follows: Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, Dekalb, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Jackson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, Walker and Winston.

These counties are likely to be or are already being impacted by flooding, tornadoes, and high winds. According to the National Weather Service, rain and severe thunderstorms will continue to move across Alabama throughout Saturday and into early Sunday morning.

“Parts of north Alabama have seen days of rain and the ground can no longer absorb it. Those rains combined with the ongoing severe weather today have caused a need for this State of Emergency,” Ivey said. “I pray that the people of Alabama will remain safe throughout the night and heed citizens to stay aware of weather conditions. We stand ready and are sending resources to help those who are in need tonight.”

At the direction of Governor Ivey, the State Emergency Operations Center in Clanton has activated to respond to local requests as needed. Governor Ivey also ordered the Adjutant General of Alabama to activate the Alabama National Guard (ALNG) as needed.

“Areas in Alabama affected by several days of rain have seen or will see historic flood levels,” Alabama Emergency Management Agency Director Brian Hastings said. “The State of Emergency provides the Governor with authorities to deploy resources to assist in disaster response and recovery operations, if required.”

By declaring a State of Emergency, Ivey is directing the appropriate state agencies to exercise their statutory authority to assist the communities and entities impacted by the ongoing flooding and impact of today’s severe weather.

Katherine Louise Hibbs was born May 30, 1928 to J.H. 'Hobb' and Eula Mae Adams ain Portersville, AL. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Gail Jolly; siblings, Gene Adams, Fred Adams, Barbara Huffstutler and Lucille Westmoreland.

She is survived by her children; Peggy (Mike) Callan, of Vinemont, Jackie (Danny) Stidham, of Falkville, Rick (Tammy) Hibbs, of Addison, and Barbara Lois Lay of Cullman, 14 grandchildren; Kindall (Jennifer) Jolly, LuAnn (Phillp) Snyder, Denise Mapes, all of Chatanooga, TN, Mindi (James) Bellamy, Summer (Matt) Cantley, Dustin Hibbs, Skye Hall, Corey (Lauren) Hibbs, Lance (Jill) Stidham, Curt (Summer) Stidham, Clint Stidham, Zackary (Rachel) Lay, Jon (Jessica) Lay and Barbara Ann Lay; and a sister Eloise Cunningham.

Funeral services will be Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 at 4 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. prior to the service.

Jeweldean Parris, 88, of the Helicon community, went home to be with the Lord on Feb. 22, 2019.

She was born on March 14, 1930 in Helicon. Mrs. Parris was a lifetime member of Liberty Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 from 12 p.m. until 1 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Homes in Addison where services will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. Brother Kyle Woodard and Brother Patrick Cleghorn will officiate. Burial will be in Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery in Helicon.

She is survived by her daughters, Becky (Larry) Cleghorn and Shelia (Jimmy) Garmon; she was Mama to three grandchildren, Shannon Cleghorn, Chad Phillips and Lance Phillips; and Mama Parris to two great grandchildren, Magan Cleghorn and Jake Cleghorn.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin "Fat" Parris; father, Alex Stephenson; mother, Lizzie Stephenson; sisters, Rachel Tyree, Pauline Tyree and Hazel Denson; and brothers, T.D. "Tab" Stephenson and T.O. "Bill" Stephenson.

Rudolph Scott Barton, 46, of Haleyville, entered into rest on Feb. 22, 2019 at North Alabama Medical Center surrounded by loving family.

Mr. Barton was born on July 9, 1972, in Haleyville. Scott was a member of Heritage Missionary Baptist Church for 5 years. He was a 1990 graduate of Lynn High School and worked for Birmingham Coal and Coke for 10 years. Scott enjoyed fishing and hunting.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Haleyville, where services will be held on Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 at 12 noon. Brother Allen Barton and Brother John Barton will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Vernon Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.

Scott is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Kelly Barton; son, Blake Barton; daughters, Paige Barton, Nikki Gardner and her husband John, and Chelsey Barton; father, Rudolph Barton and his wife Pat; mother, Carol Barton; brothers, John Barton and his wife Donna, Allen Barton and his wife Angela; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, William and Elefair Barton, and Alonzo and O'dine Cheney.

Billie R. Lee, 86, of Addison passed away on Feb. 23, 2019 at her home.

She was born on May 24, 1932 in Dandridge, TN. Ms. Lee spent 25 years teaching home economics at Addison High School. She loved teaching, cooking, sewing, painting, ceramics, traveling, art and crafts.

Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Addison where services will be held at 1 p.m. Brother Tim Box will officiate. Burial will be in Winston Memorial Cemetery in Haleyville.

She is survived by her son, Darrell Lee and his wife Linda; she was Nana to five grandchildren, Justin (Leah) Lee, Jake (Holly) Lee, Selena (Tommy) Wilkins, Jeanna (Patrick) Heard and Jesse (Meagan) Oliver; and eight great grandchildren, Maddie Oliver, Oakley Heard, Kaden Lee, Kylie Lee, Morgan Lee, Mack Lee, Sofi Wilkins and Kenner Oliver; special friend and love, Richard "Dick" Gritz and son-in-law, Bobby Oliver.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Curtis Lee; daughter, Krista Oliver; and grandson, Matthew Oliver.

Warrant Officer Skip Griffin, left, with World War II veteran Henry Hardie Cornett, right, show the four medals Cornett was given Saturday night in West Point. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

WEST POINT, Ala. - Henry Hardie Cornett was surprised by family and friends Saturday evening when he was presented with four military medals 73 years after completing his service with the U.S. Army Air Corp in World War II. Cornett served as a tail gunner on a B-24 in several battles and campaigns in the Pacific. He was given the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal Thursday night at the Brandin Iron in West Point. Cornett’s squadron, the 42nd Bomb SQ 11th Bomb Group, is credited with inflicting a direct hit that was significant in the sinking of the powerful Japanese battleship, The Yamato. 

Look for a full-length feature on Cornett this week.

Former Colony Mayor Earlene Johnson shared the story of Sojourner Truth and talked about why she is a member of the Democratic Party Saturday at the Colony Educational Complex. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

COLONY, Ala.  - On Saturday morning, the Town of Colony hosted a breakfast meeting of the Cullman County Democratic Party, with several members remarking about the turnout being the largest in a long time and commending the idea of getting out to community centers for party functions.

After older members told leaders that the morning meetings are easier for those who have trouble driving at night, the group passed a motion to hold morning meetings in local community centers, at least until daylight extends longer into the evenings.

State Democratic Party reelections

County party chairman Nick Shabel, who also represents Cullman County in the Alabama Democratic Party, addressed the Democratic National Committee’s recent order for new elections for the chair and vice-chair of the Alabama Democratic Party within the next three months, and the DNC’s review of Alabama’s bylaws.  

He said of the situation in the state party, “It is divisive, it is ugly, and I look to you for comment and direction, because I will be going down there to vote on these issues when that meeting is called.”

The national committee found what Shabel called “voting irregularities” in its last election in August.

Said Shabel, “As the national party holds that to be true, that will be my position.”

Addressing difficulties in communication within the county party, Shabel said that he will use Facebook and email to get information out and that members who do not regularly access Facebook or local newspapers should contact Josh Freeman and let him know the best ways to contact them.

Protecting against scams

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Trevor Clemmons addressed the group about certain scams growing in frequency in Cullman County, and offered advice on dealing with them:

• Phone scams - offer false promises of prizes or money, and often target the elderly.  Clemmons advised:
  • Sign up for the National Do Not Call Registry at usa.gov or 1-888-382-1222.
  • Beware of offers of free money or gifts.
  • Hang up on suspicious callers.
  • Research business opportunity offers and charities before giving money.
  • Don’t take immediate action if the caller demands it.
  • Don’t give out personal information.
  • Don’t send money.
• Grandparent scams - a caller pretending to be an elderly person’s grandchild says that he or she is in trouble (wreck, arrest, etc.) and needs money immediately; or a caller pretending to be a law enforcement officer says that the grandchild is in trouble and needs money sent immediately.  Clemmons advised:
  • Hang up and call family members yourself using a trustworthy phone number.
• Gas pump scams - scammers use electronic devices mounted on or inside gas pump and ATM card readers and keypads to gain access to credit and debit card information.  Clemmons advised:
  • Check tape seals on pumps and don’t use if broken.
  • Use pumps that station clerks can most clearly see.
  • Use bank-owned ATMs, not independently owned machines that are not checked as often.
  • Use credit cards instead of debit cards.
  • Get receipts.
  • Wiggle the card reader; if it feels loose, don’t use it.
  • Check for hidden Bluetooth devices in a pump by attempting a Bluetooth connection with your smart phone.
  • Pay for your gas inside the station.

Former Mayor Earlene Johnson

Former Colony Mayor Earlene Johnson, whom current Mayor Donnis Leeth described as “an icon of the Colony,” gave a woman’s perspective on Black History Month by sharing the story of Sojourner Truth and her famous speech “Ain’t I a Woman.”  She then talked about why she is a member of the Democratic Party, including family tradition and the party’s “best fit for my social, economic and religious profile of what America is supposed to be.”

She pointed to what she said is the Democrats’ concern for the welfare of the poor, children, and the elderly, public education, access to health care, peace over violence and equality between sexes and races, and opportunities for women

According to a motion passed at the meeting, the Cullman County Democrats will meet next at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday in March, at the Cold Springs Community Center.  This meeting will take the place of the regular second Thursday evening meeting.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Samuel McCord

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Board of Directors of Merchants Bank of Alabama is pleased to announce the addition of Samuel McCord, vice president/loan officer to its lending staff.

McCord comes to the bank from Marshall County, with a lending background in agricultural and commercial loans. McCord, a graduate of Auburn University in 2001, has a degree in Agricultural Business and Economics and has worked in th finance industry since graduating. His primary responsibilities at Merchants Bank of Alabama will be to develop new business, as well as service existing agricultural and commercial loan customers.

McCord has been involved in several professional organizations during his career, having served as chairman of the board of the Boaz Area Chamber of Commerce and president of the Albertville Civitan Club. He is looking forward to getting involved in the Cullman County community as soon as he has settled here.

McCord is married to Adrianna McCord and they have one daughter, Alannah.

He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping and golf. With this background, McCord will be a good fit for the Merchants Bank of Alabama team and especially for our annual Merchants Bank Charity Classic.

Charles NeSmith, president of Merchants Bank of Alabama said, “We are excited to have Sam on our team, especially with his experience and success in commercial and agricultural lending, both inside and outside of Cullman.”

Vinemont Elementary School students react after seeing how easily germs are spread. The activity was part of the SWELL program put on by Wallace State Community College nursing students Thursday. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

VINEMONT, Ala. - Wallace State Community College nursing students brought their Safety and Wellness Education for Lifestyle Learning (SWELL) outreach program to Vinemont Elementary Thursday morning. The program included a puppet show skit and eight stations featuring different health and lifestyle topics. The SWELL program was presented by instructors Bonnie Bibb, Tara Richard and Alicia Standridge, along with more than 40 first-semester nursing students. 

Vinemont Elementary is one of many schools the group has visited throughout the school year. It recently brought the program to Cold Springs, Good Hope and West Point primary and elementary students. The students participate in the SWELL program during their scheduled PE times.

In Vinemont, the fourth graders were the first class of the day. The students watched an informative puppet show addressing dos, don’ts and misconceptions regarding controlling asthma. SWELL made it fun, keeping the kids engaged.

Following the puppet show, the kids were split into smaller groups as they rotated around to the eight stations, where the learned about sun safety, hand washing, poison control, fire safety, fitness, nutrition, helmet safety and seat belts.

Bibb said her favorite station is helmet safety, sharing, “We use eggs to show them how our brains are similar to eggs. Once you break an egg you can’t put it back, and our brains are similar. We drop an egg without protection and another that is protected to demonstrate how helmets protect the brain.”

Kids also had the opportunity to wear goggles that demonstrate the symptoms they might expect to experience if they have a concussion.

At the hand washing station, the nursing students put different color paints on the kids’ hands and had them shake hands and high fives, showing how easily the paint transferred, just as germs do.

Each student was given a goodie bag to take home with a toothbrush, toothpaste and a sticker with phone numbers to poison control.

Said Bibb, “What we are planning on for next year is to add a station for dental and brushing teeth.”

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

A Confederate Color Guard honored Kenneth Kilgo at his funeral service Sunday. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

WEST POINT, Ala. - West Point Mayor Kenneth Kilgo was laid to rest on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019 in Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery. Kilgo passed away on Monday, Feb. 18 at the age of 61. Many Cullman County mayors attended the service, as did Alabama Sec. of State John Merrill.

The exact cause of the mayor’s death has not been released, but he had been hospitalized since falling at his home in December 2018.

Kilgo was born and raised in West Point, was a 1974 graduate of West Point High School and went on to serve his country for more than 20 years in the U.S. Army. After he retired from the military as a sergeant major, Kilgo returned home to West Point.

“He served his country honorably and was just a great guy,” said friend and fellow veteran, retired U.S. Air Force Col. Ken Brown.

The Thomas Jefferson Denney Camp 1442 Sons of the Confederate Veterans, of which Kilgo served as first lieutenant commander, had a color guard standing post at Kilgo's service at Ebenezer Baptist Church.

Kilgo, who previously served on the West Point City Council, was first appointed as mayor of West Point in 2006. He was then elected to the position in 2008, 2012 and 2016 becoming the longest serving mayor in West Point. He is credited with being the driving force behind the many improvements to the town’s park, paying off and improving the sewer system and the building of the new fire station. 

Kilgo was proud of the community shelters, improvements to and support of the schools and attracting new business and industry to the West Point area. On Nov. 30, 2018, Kilgo and the Town of West Point celebrated the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of Dale’s Market, along with the long-awaited completion and opening of the new turn lane at the Alabama Highway 157 intersection with County Road 1242.

At the ribbon cutting, Kilgo’s primary focus was how much safer the people in the community are with the intersection improvements; a happy Kilgo smiled, “We’ve spent three years working on getting this turn lane. With all the trees there before, you couldn’t see to make turns. Now, it’s much safer. A lot of people go through that intersection- lots of school buses, lots of teen drivers and so many others. This is so much safer and better.”

Kilgo worked to advocate for both his hometown and Cullman County, serving as executive director of Cullman County Red Cross from 2007-2009 and head of the Cullman County Mayors and Commissioners Association from 2009-2010, later serving as the CCMCA’s treasurer. He also served as part of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG).

An emotional Baileyton Mayor Johnny Dyar spoke about his friend, “He had the town of West Point on his mind and in his heart in everything he did. He was that way about the whole county; West Point should be proud that he was their mayor. When I first became mayor in Baileyton, I turned to Kenneth for advice. He gave me good advice-smart advice. He’s one of the smartest mayors I know. He helped me so much and I don’t know if I could have made it without him. He’s what I can call a good friend and I enjoyed being with him. I’m going to miss him.”

Cullman County Commissioner Garry Marchman said, “Kenneth never was real political about the things he did, but if you look at what he’s done since he’s been at West Point: Jack’s has come in, that turn lane he worked on for four years to get. We’ve had numerous improvements in business and in the schools. He’s worked, worried me I guess you could say, about paving the roads. He’s got a good infrastructure, worked on the sewer and so much behind the scenes he has done as mayor that are a benefit and a long-lasting benefit. I don’t know how to put into words how much he loved his community.”

Continued Marchman, “He retired from the Army. He’s a veteran and strong advocate for the Sons of the Confederacy. He served in artillery most of his military career and was a drill instructor for quite a while. He was a good instructor and has a lot of recognition for his military service. He was good friends with a lot of the mayors. He really supported the municipalities and what they were fighting for. He was a great community guy and will be missed.”

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force Chairperson Kathy Wilson with husband Dale Wilson at the Rescue Innocence Project Gala Thursday evening in Birmingham (contributed)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Kathy Wilson, chairperson of the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force, attended the second annual Rescue Innocence Project Gala Thursday night at The Club in Birmingham.  The gala raised funds to help support the newly opened emergency shelter at UAB Hospital for child survivors of human trafficking/sexual exploitation.  Statistics from UAB show that of all the victims of human trafficking in Alabama, 57 percent are children.

This new shelter is the first of its kind. The National Center on Sexual Exploitation supports Alabama’s efforts and aims to continue the work of regional development in Alabama. The following objectives were supported by this event:

• To help fund the emergency shelter
• To help raise awareness, educate schools and church-based prevention education services
• Most importantly, to enhance long-term care for adult and child survivors in Alabama

With the completion of these important projects, a tremendous impact will be made in the fight to curb sexual exploitation in Alabama and rescue lives from this plague that threatens to rob the children of Alabama of their innocence, dignity and mutual respect.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Students who will be taking the ACT in April have the opportunity to gets tips and study guides for the college entrance exam during two classes offered by the Wallace State Community College Alumni Association.

The Alumni Association is holding two Preparing for the ACT sessions. The first on March 5 is for the Math and Science portion and the next on March 12 is for the English and Reading portions. Students may opt to take either course or both. Each are $35 and will be held at 5 p.m. in Room 511 of the James C. Bailey Center on the Hanceville campus.

The workshops are geared to assist students in learning strategies to improve their test-taking approach and provide tips for the specific portions of the test under discussions. Students will learn what to expect on test day, get practice exercises, learn test-taking time management skills and ways to make the “best guess.” Each session will include a review and practice for each portion. Handouts with practical tips and problems will be provided to each registered participant. For the math and science portion, students should bring pencils, scratch paper and a calculator.

To register online for the workshops, visit www.wsscalumni.org and click on the News & Events link. Space is limited to 45 students per class. For more information, contact LaDonna Allen at 256-352-8071 or ladonna.allen@wallacestate.edu.

Wallace State offers the Residual ACT for students planning to enroll in the college. It will administer that exam on April 12. Students may register for the exam through the Tuition and Fees section of myWallaceState at www.wallacestate.edu. Visit www.ACT.org for dates and locations for the National ACT exam.

Pictured, left to right, are Amanda Hanners, Kris Thompson, Helen Allen, Mayor Woody Jacobs, Emily Corbett and Gary Cornelius. (City of Cullman)

CULLMAN, Ala. – Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs has officially proclaimed March 1, 2019 “Go Blue for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Day” in Cullman. On hand to accept the proclamation on behalf of the American Cancer Society (ACS) were Amanda Hanners (ACS community development manager), Gary Cornelius (member of the ACS Area Board of Directors), Emily Corbett (ACS ACT team leader), Helen Allen (Relay For Life event chair) and Kris Thompson (ACS director of human resources).

The ACS is encouraging the Cullman community to “go blue” by wearing blue on Friday, March 1 in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the U.S. when men and women are combined, but it doesn’t have to be.

“When adults get screened for colorectal cancer, it can be detected early when treatment is most likely to be successful,” said Hanners. “In most cases, it can be prevented altogether.”

About 1 in 3 adults between 50 and 75 years old – about 23 million people – are not getting tested as recommended. Deaths from colorectal cancer have dropped by more than 30 percent in the U.S. among adults 55 and older in the last 15 years, in large part due to screening. Further, people need to know that symptoms such as weight loss and blood in the stool – regardless of age – are a cause for concern and should be reported to a doctor; tell your doctor if you have a family history of the disease.

The Go Blue Day efforts are in collaboration with the ACS’ involvement with the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s (NCCRT) 80 % in Every Community Initiative, which continues the progress and commitment from 80 percent by 2018. The mission is to increase colorectal cancer screening rates to 80 percent in every community.

“Since the launch of the 80% by 2018 campaign, screening rates nationwide have gone up,” said Hanners. “Additionally, because of the upward trend of colorectal cancer diagnoses among young adults, the American Cancer Society updated its screening guidelines saying colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45 for people at average risk.”

In addition to wearing blue on Friday, March 1, the ACS is asking everyone to share their photos and stories of inspiration on social media.

“Screening can save lives, but only if people get tested, early detection is key,” said Hanners. “We want everyone to join in this movement because despite our progress, work remains.”

A visit to the Wright Brothers Museum in Kitty Hawk is on the agenda for the June 2-9 trip to the Outer Banks and Colonial Virginia. (Outer Banks Visitors Bureau www.outerbanks.org)

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Anyone who has ever wanted to see the wild horses that roam the beaches of the Outer Banks, explore the history of the Lost Colony or see where the Wright brothers took flight can do that and more during the Wallace State Alumni Association’s Colonial America and the Outer Banks Tour. The deluxe motorcoach group trip will be June 2-9 and includes 7 nights hotel accommodations, 14 meals, tour guides and admission to all activities listed on the itinerary.

The itinerary includes a Horse Safari of Wild Spanish Mustangs, the Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Island Festival Park, visits to Duck and Manteo, N.C., the Lost Colony Dinner Drama, tours of Yorktown and Jamestown, the Wright Brothers Museum and Kittyhawk, Colonial Williamsburg and Tavern Dinner and a visit to the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.

The first day of the trip will be a day of travel to Ashville, N.C., with a welcome dinner with fellow travelers. The group will travel to Carolla, N.C., the next day, where they will check into the beachfront Hampton Inn and Suites for a three-night stay and a local dinner.

Day three begins the exploration of the Outer Banks, including the Wild Spanish Mustangs of Carolla horse safari, followed by a visit to the seaside town of Duck where travelers can eat lunch, shop at and enjoy the view of the Currituck Sound from the boardwalk. The afternoon agenda includes a guided driving tour down the coast to Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station and the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Kitty Hawk is the first destination for day four, starting with a tour of the Wright Brothers Museum, followed by a visit to the Elizabeth II, a historic 16th century sailing vessel docked along the border of the Roanoke Island Festival Park. Lunch will be on your own in the small town of Manteo, followed by a visit to Ft. Raleigh whose visitors center is filled with artifacts found on the site that has been identified as the original site of the doomed Lost Colonists. The afternoon will include a visit to Elizabeth Gardens, designed to imitate what might have been designed by wealthy colonists from Elizabeth I’s reign. The day concludes with the Lost Colony Dinner Drama, including a backstage tour.

On day five, the group will travel to Jamestown, Va., the first permanent English colony settled in 1607. Travelers will enjoy a guided tour of the living history museum there and enjoy lunch on their own in the town. A visit to Yorktown will follow, with a guide who will share stories of the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, including a stop at Yorktown Battlefield, where George Washington secured America’s independence in 1781. Following dinner in Yorktown, travelers will check in to the Woodlands Inn and Suites, just steps away from historic Colonial Williamsburg.

Day six will include a guided walking tour through Colonial Williamsburg, followed by time on your own to explore shops, tour the Governors Palace at the Capitol and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants along High Street or in Merchants Square. The day will conclude with a special Tavern Dinner in Colonial Williamsburg.

The journey home begins the next day, with an overnight stop in either North Carolina or Tennessee and a final group dinner before returning home.

Rates for the tour range from $1,439 to $2,079 per person based on occupancy and Alumni membership status. Alumni Association members enjoy a $100 discount; annual membership is $25. Register by April 1 at www.wsccalumni.org or contact LaDonna Allen at 256-352-8071 or ladonna.allen@wallacestate.edu for more information.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests and incidents reported on Feb. 25, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

Feb. 21

• unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; Hwy. 91
• theft of property; Hwy. 278 E
• illegal possession of prescription drugs, unlawful possession of marijuana possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 109/CR 127

Feb. 22

• theft of property; CR 1282
• unauthorized use of a vehicle, domestic violence; CR 1422
• illegal possession of prescription drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, giving false name to law enforcement officer; Hwy. 157
• permitting dogs to run at large; Dove Rd.
• trespassing; CR 1025

Feb. 23

• domestic violence; CR 703
• domestic violence, menacing; Turkey Hop Road
• domestic violence; CR 565
• trespassing, criminal mischief; CR 649
• illegal possession of prescription drugs; Hwy. 157
• domestic violence; CR 385
• harassment; Hwy. 278 W
• criminal mischief; CR 835
• domestic violence; CR 1354
• trespassing; CR 202

Feb. 24

• possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a controlled substance; CR 1728
• possession of drug paraphernalia; Hwy. 157
• domestic violence; CR 1197

Arrests

Feb. 21

Aaron, Matthew Eli, 36

• third-degree criminal mischief

Bellenfant, Carol Leah, 38

• probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Berry, Donald Dale Dewayne, 53

• harassing communications

Garrett, Michael Ruth, 22

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• illegal possession of prescription medicine
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Moody, Susan Baker, 65

• court appearance

Moore, David Lee, 55

• failure to register quarterly- SORNA

Pettus, Rebecca Susanne, 45

• contributing to truancy

Robinson, Sarah Aspen, 34

• FTA-comply/pay

Todd, Darla Faye, 58

• contributing to truancy

Williams Colby Alan, 20

• FTA- third-degree burglary
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- third-degree theft of property

Williams, Summer Paige, 25

• third-degree burglary

Feb. 22-24

Aaron, Matthew Eli, 36

• judge’s order- third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Adams, Jessica Amanda, 27

• FTA- third-degree criminal trespassing

Box, Michael Wade, 20

• driving while suspended
• expired tag
• giving false name to law enforcement
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• illegal possession of prescription medicine
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Burgess, Elizabeth Gail, 40

• FTA- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Chapman, Timothy Allen, 34

• FTA- driving while revoked

Creel, Jenette Freeman, 58

• third-degree burglary

Criscoe, Katrina Mary Fay, 33

• probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Cunningham, Patrick Joseph Jr., 39

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

Dean, Joshua Allen, 33

• first-degree criminal mischief

Eaton, Zackary Sherman, 24

• DUI- influence of alcohol
• driving while suspended
• reckless/careless operation of a vehicle

Freeman, Tabatha Ann, 38

• third-degree burglary

Griffith, Jonathan Adam, 35

• FTA- improper lane usage

Hook, Samuel Joseph, 29

• aggravated child abuse
• writ of arrest- child support

Humber, Valerie Joanna, 24

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

Key, Scotty Greg 41

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

Lee, Salina Evon, 53

• contributing to truancy

Mewbourn, Ricky Charles, 53

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Moore, Ashley Denise, 34

• nonsupport

Nickens, Manuel Darwin, 50

• court appearance

Posey, Angela Whitehead, 42

• public intoxication

Price, Tiffany Nicole, 35

• third-degree domestic violence- menacing

Pugh, Jacob Todd, 37

• GJ- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle

Smith, Justin William, 30

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Totman, Michael Lynn, 35

• illegal possession of prescription medicine
• third-degree promoting prison contraband

Whitehead, Larry Winston II, 43

• first-degree attempted theft

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

Feb. 22

• fourth-degree theft of property; person; Hwy. 157; cash

Feb. 23

• fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Olive St. SW; general merchandise; $30

Feb. 24

• third-degree domestic violence; person; Dialsdale Dr. SW
• third-degree burglary; Zaxby’s; Tanner Dr. NW; pressure washer; $1,000
• fourth-degree theft of property; person; tag; $25

Arrests

Chambers, Sophia M., 37

• fourth-degree theft of property

Mitchell, Kage A., 20

• FTA- running a red light
• FTA- improper muffler
• FTA- failure to signal

Nguyen, Anh N., 43

• harassment

Williams, Billy L. Jr., 35

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

Speegle, Samantha G., 19

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

Naler, Mason T., 18

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

Scruggs, Ben C., 31

• possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property

Copes, Courtney L., 36

• possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property

Moore, Ashley D., 34

• possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• fourth-degree receiving stolen property

Knight, Missy L., 28

• fourth-degree theft of property

Collins, Cameron R., 19

• FTA- failure to register vehicle

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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