CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are the arrests and incidents reported on Feb. 27, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

No incidents or arrests reported.

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

Feb. 25

• third-degree theft of property; Comfort Suites; St. Joseph Dr. NW; cash

Feb. 26

• first-degree theft of services; Mitch Smith Chevrolet; Cherokee Ave. SW; $3,105

Arrests

Feb. 26

Smith, Evon J., 34

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Capps, James R., 48

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

Hansen, Stacey L., 36

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance

Simmons, Joshua B., 42

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Gendron, Mary M., 49

• fourth-degree theft of property

Sears, Bridget N., 33

• FTA- disorderly conduct
• FTA- third-degree domestic violence
• FTA- resisting arrest

McLeod, Ty P., 23

• FTA- expired tag
• FTA- insurance violation (2 counts)
• FTA- speeding
• FTA- improper lane usage
• FTA- driving while suspended

Hitt, Bryan A., 23

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

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

Good Hope City Councilman John Harris and Mayor Jerry Bartlett (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE, Ala. - Rainfall and road repairs were the main topics of discussion at the Good Hope City Council meeting this week.

The council said many residents have voiced concerns about the increase in potholes and other problems made worse by the unusually high amount of rainfall in the area in the last week. City employees have been out assessing the damage after last week’s storms and report several culverts that will need to be completely replaced.

Mayor Jerry Bartlett cautioned that before roads can be paved or potholes filled that the ground must be given an opportunity to dry out, saying, “The rain is going to do a number on these roads, but it’s too wet right now.”

Anticipated low temperatures and the possibility of snow could complicate the situation, according to City Planner Corey Harbison, who explained, “Rain gets in the cracks of the foundations and then, if it freezes, it gets even worse.” 

An estimated 1.2 million gallons of rainwater was reported to have come through the city’s wastewater plant over the two heaviest days of rainfall.

Councilwoman Susan Eller reported, “A few areas flooded out, but we fared better than some communities, and I was told that we recovered remarkably well.”

In other business, the City of Good Hope’s food drive is set for March 11-15. The council discussed problems currently occurring with the City’s food pantry. Due to possible abuses, the food pantry will be locked during non-business hours. 

The City plans to purchase a bucket truck from the Cullman Electric Cooperative for $9,500. The truck will be used to keep trees trimmed as well as for decorating the city for holidays.

Recent equipment surpluses by the City will more than offset the cost of the truck’s purchase, Bartlett said, “I think any municipality would have liked to have had the truck. For us to get first shot at it, I’m thrilled.”

Councilman Taft Dillashaw reported that 178 kids were registered for the upcoming baseball, softball and T-ball seasons. Opening day is scheduled for April 6. The council passed a resolution to bring the City into compliance with the Coach Safety Act, which passed the Alabama Legislature late last year; it requires coaches to be certified in safety training and protocols.

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Funeral service for Patrick Dewayne Kohlenberg, 48, of Cullman, will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Tommy Graves officiating; interment in Bethsadia Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Kohlenberg passed away on Feb. 26, 2019, at Grandview Medical Center. He was born Jan. 3, 1971, to Phillip Kohlenberg and Doris Harris.

He is preceded in death by his father, Phillip Kohlenberg; brother-in-law, Ray Patterson; and nephew, Bradley Patterson.

Survivors include his mother, Doris Harris; sister, Phyllis Patterson (Scotty Wright); nephew, Brian (Erica) Patterson, and great-nieces and great-nephews, Alex Patterson, Gage Patterson, and Bailey Patterson.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Richard “Rick” Albert Stewart, 65, passed away at his residence on Feb. 26, 2019. He was born Oct. 5, 1953 to Robert and Melrose Stewart. Mr. Stewart grew up in the Green Acres section of Birmingham, AL.

Survivors include his wife, Marilyn Stewart, son; Corey (Melanie) Stewart, grandchildren; Jeremiah Stewart, Luke Stewart and Sam Stewart, a host of cousins, family and friends.

The family will hold a celebration of life service Saturday, March 9, 2019, a location will be announced by the family at a later date.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth James Kretzschmar, 84, of Blountsville are 10 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Pastor John Bussman and Associate Pastor Christopher Clark officiating, with interment with military honors in Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation on Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the church.

Cullman Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Kretzschmar passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Gustavas and Laura Irene Thompson Kretzschmar; brothers, Carl and Norris Ray Kretzschmar and sisters, Marguare Kretzschmar, Helen Chamblee and Edith Thomas.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia Kretzschmar; son, James Matthew (Donna) Kretzschmar; daugther, Laura Elizabeth (Dan) Brown; sisters, Elnora Moore, Doris Evers and Lea Cordes; grandchildren, Brian (Emily) Hayes, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Lamar, Emily (Eric) Trahan, Erin (Shawn) Smith and Laura (Seth) Martin and five great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Jessie Thurston “Sonny” Hulsey, Sr., 79, of Logan are Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Cullman Funeral Home, Rev. Tim Box and Rev. Paul Campbell officiating, with interment in Valley Springs Cemetery.

Cullman Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Hulsey passed away Monday, Feb. 25, 2019.  He was born Nov. 16, 1939 to Author Lee and Iris Raney Hulsey.  He was a lifelong deacon at Valley Springs Baptist Church and retired from Cullman Products.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Delilah Jane Hulsey; brother, Cecil Hulsey; sisters, Wanda Phillips and Mamie Heath and half-sister, Trixie Walker.

He is survived by sons, Buster (Leah) Hulsey, David (Kallen) Hulsey and Tracy (Angela Johnson) Hulsey; sisters, Clarene Reid, Naomi Lynn, Juanita Johnson and Linda Clardy; grandchildren, Aaron (Ashley) Hulsey, Stefan (Elena) Hulsey, Drew (Kari) Hulsey, Tristan (Mackenzie) Hulsey and Christian (Maressa Bradford) Hulsey and great granddaughter, Liv Brooklyn Hulsey.

Funeral services for Mrs. Opal Inez Smith, 97, of Cullman are Friday, March 1, 2109 at 11 a.m. at Corinth West First Congregational Methodist Church, Rev. Randy Milligan officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation on Thursday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Cullman Funeral Home and Friday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church.

Cullman Funeral Home directing.

Mrs. Smith went to her heavenly home surrounded by her family on Monday, February 25, 2019 at Woodland Village Health Care Center.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Odie and Birdie Lee Hogan; her loving husband of 54 years, Clell Smith; sister, Annie Myrl Burden; brother, O’Brien Hogan and grandson, Jay McDonald.

She is survived by her daughter, Martha Nell (Norman) Barkyoumb; son, Douglas (Sue) Smith; sister, Fayenell Smith; brother, Fred Hogan; sister-in-law, Melba Ayers; eight grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; twelve great great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gerald L. Greve, 89, of Cullman, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019.

Gerald Greve was the son of William and Mary Taynor Greve of North Plainfield, New Jersey.

After serving in the Army and in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict, he married Janis Ahlgren of Roebling, New Jersey. He received his degree in Ferrous Metallurgy from Temple University beginning his career at John A. Roebling and Sons and later at CF and I in Roebling. He then served as Plant Manager at Cooper Steel and Nicholson Saw in Greenville, Mississippi and at Nicholson File in Cullman, Alabama until his retirement.

Mr. Greve was active in his community. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cullman, a longtime member of the American Legion and a member of the Rotary Club. While living in Cullman, he was a prominent member of the Chamber of Commerce and was recognized by the City of Cullman for his outstanding service on several committees in the community – City of Cullman Industrial Development Board, the United Way and the Red Cross. He was instrumental in calling attention to the vocational training of Cullman’s young students.

Mr. Greve is survived by his wife, Janis, and daughter, Gail Greve of Destin, Florida. His youngest daughter, Maridee Greve, sadly predeceased him in 1997. He is also survived by his only grandson, Aaron Jerald Andersch, and daughter-in-law, Kim Crane Andersch, of New Jersey.

His Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cullman. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church. Interment will be as Odd Fellows Cemetery in Burlington, New Jersey.

Danny Wayne Henderson, 62, was born on April 6, 1956 and entered into rest Feb. 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Complete obituary and announcements will be announced at a later time.

Nichols Funeral Home

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 at Jones and Son Chapel for Mrs. Audrey Polk, who passed from her earthly home on Feb. 23, 2019.  She was born on Oct. 30,1927 in Perry County, MS to Thomas Richmond and Julie Meadows.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ed Polk and her husband, A.B. Miles; daughter, Tina Stallings; grandson, Stormy Stallings; parents, Thomas and Julie Meadows; 8 siblings; and son-in-law, Len Truett.  

She is survived by her children, Lora (Jerry) Raley, Sheila Truett, Allah Riley, Greg Stallings, Brenda (Harry) Odom; brother, Frank (Linda) Meadows; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 from noon-2 p.m. at Jones and Son Funeral Home in Richton.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Frisco cemetery fund.  Please send to Brewer Baptist Church, 24 Otho Sellers Road, Richton, MS  39476.

Three little cowboys look on at last year’s Stars and Stripes Rodeo. This year’s event will take place March 1-2. (Cullman Tribune file photo)

CULLMAN, Ala. - The 36th Annual Stars and Stripes Rodeo is returning to the Cullman County Agricultural Trade Center Friday and Saturday, March 1-2. Winner of the 2018 Indoor Rodeo of the Year by the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association (SPRA), the Stars and Stripes rodeo is put on by the West Point Band Boosters with all proceeds benefiting the West Point Warrior Band.

“A Double Creek Rodeo Production featuring some of the best cowboys and cowgirls in the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Association,” the rodeo will showcase more than 120 contestants each night. The gates open each night at 5:30 p.m. with the shows starting at 7 p.m. Advanced tickets can be purchased at Premier Bank locations and Jack’s Western Wear for $10 for adults and $8 for kids ages 6-12. Children 5 and younger are free. Tickets at the door will be $12 for adults and $10 for ages 6-12.

West Point Band Booster President Josh Sellers said, “We work very hard to make sure the rodeo has something for everyone. It’s a family-friendly event. We have mutton busting each night for the little kids. We have a great rodeo clown I personally selected. Marshall Green is great with kids and very funny. He’s also a firefighter and EMT in Georgia. We’ll have face painting, calf scramble and a hay dig.”

The rodeo pageant will take place Thursday afternoon and night at Cullman First Baptist Church. Pageant winners will be announced Saturday evening. Pageant winners, mutton busting winners and rodeo winners will be presented with Bob Berg belt buckles and other prizes.

Sellers explained, “The rodeo is an SPRA event and the prize money is more this year which helped draw in greater talent. We have 30 team ropers and over 20 barrel racers registered. We have over 20 girls and ladies who will be competing in the pageants.” 

West Point Warrior Band members will be helping at the event but will not be performing. The band has been busy practicing for its state performance and assessment. The national anthem will be performed by three members of the band’s trumpet section each night.

Sellers said, “The band has been working hard and we would love to raise enough money to take the kids on a trip. Our priority right now is to finally get the band new uniforms. They are wearing uniforms bought in 1999 and they need something new.”

Parking to the rodeo is free. There will also be an ATM on-site.

Sellers added, “We will be selling concessions and we try to keep everything very affordable. Our goal is to create a good time for all families. You can’t go to the movies for what you would will spend at the rodeo, and it benefits our kids.”

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CULLMAN, Ala. - After success last year in what was a spur-of-the-moment drive to meet an immediate need in the Cullman Caring for Kids (CCK) food pantry at the end of the last school year, Josh Campbell and Citizens Bank & Trust are ready to do it again- this time even bigger and better.  This year’s bank-sponsored Kids Caring for Kids project, to be held March 11-15, is taking a proactive approach to stocking CCK’s shelves ahead of the increased run on CCK’s supplies that typically happens as weather warms up, and especially in the summer. The drive takes the form of a contest for all area elementary schools, pitting class against class--across school lines and within the same school--to see who can come up with the most cereal for Cullman County’s needy kids.

The bank could just give money and encourage others to do so, but Campbell explained that he wanted area school kids to experience something more, saying, “There are so many options to come up with cereal.  We can take the donation of money and go and buy more cereal, or give someone an opportunity to participate in the giving.”

Campbell went on to share, “That’s part of education that you don’t find on a standardized test, you know?  I used to teach, and the standardized testing has got its place, but there’s a whole other branch of learning out there with stuff like this, where these kids’ brains are opened up to the fact that they’ve probably got somebody in their classroom who goes to Cullman Caring for Kids, that needs Cullman Caring for Kids and what they do, and not just for the food bank: for all the other ways that Cullman Caring for Kids helps children in this community.”

Cereal is a year-round staple for CCK, which gives away up to 650 boxes per month.

CCK Director Javon Daniel explained, “It’s a nutritious way for kids to have a breakfast without it having to be cooked.  It’s at least a good start for the day: oatmeal in the winter time; they need a hot meal to get them started; in summer time, a bowl of cereal goes a long way.  If you’ve got a cranky child at 10 at night, you know, give them a bowl of cereal and they’ll go on to sleep. So cereal, it’s just a good thing.

“I eat a bowl of cereal, not every morning, but most mornings.  It’s a quick thing, and it’s an easy thing, and it alleviates that hungry child.  That child eats a bowl of cereal, doesn’t go to school hungry. He may not be full, but he doesn’t go to school hungry.”

Cereal may be needed all the time, but the need is even greater in the summer months when kids are out of school.  Children who qualified for free or reduced meals at school are left without that resource for months. Even the federal feeding program, designed to help fill that gap through hot meals served at various locations around the county, has its limitations.

Campbell shared, “Kids can’t drive, either, you know what I mean?  So, if somebody doesn’t take them to the school for those programs, then they’ve got to have something to eat.  And at Cullman Caring for Kids, their food pantry, they really fill a void there that’s left, especially over the summer.”

Participating schools compete for prizes

Last year’s drive, started in response to an emergency shortage at the end of the school year, only saw six schools participate.  This year, thanks to the bank’s ability to pre-plan the drive, several other schools have already signed on to the project weeks ahead of time.  Obviously, the goal is to serve CCK’s client kids, but the students have the added incentive of pizza parties for the three classes that give the largest ratio of cereal.  By competing based on a ratio of class size to amount of donated cereal, even small classes and small schools have a fair shot at the yummy prizes.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 26, the following schools have committed to participate:

Cold Springs Elementary

East Elementary, Cullman

Fairview Elementary

Hanceville Elementary

Holly Pond Elementary

Sacred Heart School

Vinemont Christian Academy elementary classes

Vinemont Elementary

Welti Elementary

West Elementary, Cullman

West Point Elementary

Daniel had glowing words to say about the bank’s partnership with CCK: “Josh Campbell, Alan Wood, all the folks down at Citizens Bank, have been so super.  They have been so supportive of us since they came in. And Josh Campbell from the bank is on our board of directors: very, very tremendous asset for us.

“And this is the second year.  There are more schools involved this year, so we’re excited.  You know, we’re excited that we may have to hunt a place to put cereal, and that’s okay; that’s a good problem!  But Citizens Bank has been tremendous to help us since they came into Cullman.”

Get involved

If you have a child in one of the schools listed above, please send cereal to their classes.  If your school is not listed and you would like to get on board, contact Josh Campbell at 256-736-3222.

Donations of food, baby food, diapers and hygiene products can be made at the CCK office located at 402 Arnold St. NE #W1 in Cullman.

CCK, a United Way of Cullman County partner agency, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.  You can make online PayPal contributions to CCK through its website, www.cullmancaringforkids.com, or send donations to: Cullman Caring for Kids, PO Box 698, Cullman, AL 35056.

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CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County Animal Shelter volunteer Donna Ruttkay introduces The Cullman Tribune Pet of the Week.

Bilbo Baggins is a 3-year-old beagle on a quest for a shire of his own.  It hasn’t been an easy journey; he arrived at the shelter with minor injuries, but he is making good progress. 

Ruttkay shared, “This amazing fellow's had a bit of a rough time. But it's how we finish, not how we begin that matters!  The sores on his legs are healing nicely.”

Bilbo’s an easygoing low- to medium-energy pet who could have a bright future as a therapy, comfort or companion dog.  Like most beagles, he’s vocal and might sing you a little tune now and then.

Ruttkay calls Bilbo an “all 'round remarkable fellow!”

Animal shelter staff and volunteers work with their dogs to make sure they are accustomed to being around people, walking on a leash and practicing good behavior.  Several of the shelter’s dogs have even been “hired” to work as special needs service dogs.

Bilbo’s adoption fee is $90 which includes: DHLPP vaccine, Bordetella vaccines, rabies vaccine, wormer, general exam at the vet, neutering, microchip, free 30-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.

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Jimmy Reeves has a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). The external components of the LVAD are kept in a vest that Reeves must wear at all times. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

Updated 2-28-19 at 6:31 p.m. Despite reports from other media, according to CPD Sgt. Adam Clark, "Mr. Reeves has not been arrested at this time." A mug shot being circulated of Mr. Reeves is undated and from a previous arrest.

CULLMAN, Ala. - A Vinemont man who claimed to have been a victim of several false bomb threat calls in the Cullman area on Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019 confessed to the Cullman Police Department (CPD) that he made the calls himself. James "Jimmy" Reeves, 52, confessed to calling in possible bomb threats to Cullman 911 on five separate occasions. He also confessed to one call made in Morgan County. All the calls came from a private number. Sgt. Adam Clark was able to trace the calls with help from AT&T. He said each call came from a phone registered to Reeves.  

On Monday, Feb. 25, 2019 Reeves, who has a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and his family said Reeves was struggling due to strangers and their lack of awareness of the life-saving equipment. The external components of the LVAD are kept in a vest that Reeves must wear at all times. Reeves said Monday that in the last two months, he has been approached or surrounded by police three times due to others mistakenly believing the vest is possibly holding a bomb. The last two incidents happened last Saturday at the Five Below store and Wednesday night at Ninja Steakhouse.

During his confession it was revealed that Reeves was calling 911 to report a man in a suspicious vest possibly having a bomb. He admitted to calling 911 from Publix, Wal-Mart, Harbor Freight, Five Below, and most recently, Ninja. 

Police said they have no evidence to suggest that Reeves’ family and friends were aware that Reeves was the person making the calls. His daughter, Shyanne Sparks, recently asked The Tribune and other media to help bring awareness to her father’s condition. She hoped that by doing so the calls would stop. Upon her father’s confession, Sparks was visibly upset and declined to answer questions. 

Reeves recently did several media interviews. After AT&T determined the calls were coming from Reeves’ phone, Clark said, “It’s obvious when you hear the interviews and the 911 calls that it was him (Reeves).”

The Tribune spoke to Reeves after his confession, and he said, “I wanted to feel like somebody again. I used to have friends. They used to talk to me and come see me. Nothing I can say- there’s no excuse for what I’ve done.”

Reeves has also called in bomb scares in Morgan County and could face possible charges in Morgan County, but he denies having any lawsuits pending against them. 

Reeves addressed Chief Kenny Culpepper after his confession, saying, “I am sorry Mr. Culpepper. I’m sorry to the public. I didn’t mean to hurt you, the public, or your officers or the EMS. I’ve screwed my life up again. I just wanted to be somebody.”

As of Thursday evening, no charges have been filed.

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CULLMAN - Below are the arrests and incidents reported on Feb. 28, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

Feb. 25

• domestic violence; CR 590
• harassment; CR 1344
• domestic violence; CR 1615
• domestic violence; CR 704
• permitting dogs to run at large; CR 264
• domestic violence, criminal mischief; CR 1355
• harassment; CR 1194
• theft of property; CR 405
• domestic violence; CR 1225
• theft of property; CR 747

Feb. 26

• unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1492
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 623
• theft of property; CR 222
• trespassing; St. Joseph St.
• theft of property; CR 1859
• theft of property, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest; CR 201
• burglary; Hwy. 157
• theft of property; CR 9
• theft of property; CR 1716
• burglary; CR 820
• possession of drug paraphernalia, domestic violence; CR 1615

Feb. 27

• domestic violence; CR 573
• possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 108/CR 222
• domestic violence; CR 437
• domestic violence; CR 438
• burglary; Trimble Dr.
• theft of property; 2nd Ave. SW
• harassment, violation of a protection order; CR 421

Arrests

Feb. 25

Bennefield, Matthew Earl, 34

• driving on sidewalk prohibited

Church, Ashley Michelle, 29

• FTA- liability insurance required

Fiero, Mary Ann, 72

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Hyde, Ashley Brooke, 41

• probation violation- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Hyde, Donny, 44

• writ of arrest- child support

Lanier, Mikeal Steavin, 24

• FTA- attempting to elude
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Raphael, Lorena Lynn, 37

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

Sanford, Michael Brian, 41

• FTA- DUI- any substance

Simpson, Christy Louise, 39

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Feb. 26

Alvarado, David Figuerga, 33

• FTA- driving without a license

Baker, Bethany Paige, 25

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

Bowman, Karessa Lynne, 52

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

Davis, Jessie Brian, 51

• FTA- first-degree attempted theft

Dollar, Melinda Dawn, 44

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hogan, Randall Dewayne, 63

• contempt of court- contempt of court

Jackson, Amanda Lynn, 33

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Myers, Wendell Dean, Sr., 50

• FTA- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Parker, Krystal Ann Slate Edg, 35

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

Perkins, George Michale III, 36

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• disorderly conduct

Quinn, Rodney Wayne, 61

• attempting to elude
• driving while suspended
• expired tag
• reckless driving
• speeding- reasonable and prudent

Rouss, Jack Peter III, 42

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• resisting arrest
• fourth-degree theft of property

Schorsch, Cletus Leo, 47

• GJ- failure to register quarterly- SORNA

Serpa, Kevin Shane, 35

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Sterling, Christopher Wayne, 41

• illegal possession of prescription medicine

Wasp, Jacob Martin, 26

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

Whitaker, Brian Keith, 37

• FTA- third-degree criminal trespassing

Wilhoite, Casey Suzanne, 33

• judge’s order- third-degree burglary

Feb. 27

Bagwell, Alton Wade, 45

• fourth-degree theft of property

Brown, Alexandria Rae, 27

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Curtis, Grace Elizabeth, 23

• torture, willful abuse of a child under 18

Edmondson, Daniel Logan, 24

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment (2 counts)

Henry, Jerry Lewis, 32

• first-degree attempted theft

Thomas, Terry Glenn, 52

• FTA- speeding

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

Feb. 26

• fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; misc. merchandise; $122

Feb. 27

• identity theft; person

Arrests

Overton, Brandon G., 28

• first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• third-degree criminal trespassing

Garrett, Michael R., 22

• first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• illegal possession of prescription drugs

Elliott, Jessie L., 30

• public intoxication

Collins, Ivan R., 38

• reckless endangerment

Fuqua, Tommy D., 55

• FTA- failure to register vehicle
• FTA- driving without a license

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

Funeral services for Lorene Nichols, 84, of Hanceville will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 2, 2019 at Hanceville Funeral Home with Reverend Dean Burtram officiating. Burial will follow at Laodicea Cemetery. Her family will receive friends Friday evening beginning at 5:30 at the funeral home.

The daughter of James and Georgia Crawford of Harville is survived by sons Greg (Donna) Nichols of White City and Danny Nichols of Hanceville. Also, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, She was preceded in death by a son, Billy Wayne Nichols and a daughter, Audrey McClendon.

Visitation for friends will be Friday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. Services on Saturday March 2 at the Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m.

Margaret Carol Riddle, 64, of Holly Pond, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2019. She was born Feb. 1, 1955, to Cotton and Edna Mason.

Ms. Riddle was a restaurant owner before retirement. She loved her family and her faithful companion, her beloved dog Charlie.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Bobby Andrew Riddle.

She is survived by her niece, Lisa Plunkett; in-laws, Carolyn and Ricky Dunn, Martha and Max Pesnall, Diane and James Williams; special friends, Eddie Bowlin and Pat Marx; a host of nieces and nephews; and her ever faithful companion, her dog, Charlie.

Memorial services for Ms. Riddle will be announced at a later time.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Riddle family.

Daryl Duane Whitman, 41, of Double Springs, entered into rest on Feb. 27, 2019 at his home.

Mr. Whitman was born on Sept. 23, 1977, at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas. Daryl graduated from Winston County High School in 1997.  He was known as "Dee" by his family.  Daryl was a truck driver and enjoyed reading and traveling in his free time.  He was an avid Florida State football fan.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2019 from 12-2 p.m. at Nichols Funeral Home in Double Springs, where services will be held at 2 p.m. Brother Bill Frank Wilson will officiate. Burial will follow in Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Double Springs.

Daryl is survived by his son, James Austin Whitman; daughter, Halie Marie Whitman; parents, James and Sandra Whitman; brother, James Nathan Whitman and his wife Holly; grandmother, Marie Whitman; nephew, Grant Whitman; and niece, Natalie Whitman.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ardus and Halie Waid; and grandfather, Cranford Whitman.

Funeral service for Jimmy Edward Haynes, 58, of Cullman, will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Randy Sellers officiating; interment in Holly Pond Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Haynes passed away on Feb. 27, 2019, at his residence. He was born Jan. 6, 1961, to Roy and Ruby Haynes.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerry Haynes.

Survivors include his wife, Janice Peak Haynes; sons, Zach (Melody) Haynes, Levi Haynes, Jeff Sandlin, and David (Stephine) Sandlin; daughter, Teri (Jon) Moffet; twelve grandchildren; brother, Terry (Mary) Hurst; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Army veteran and longtime mentor, Col. Ray Zimmerman, explains Madison County’s Veterans Treatment Court and the role of mentors there to Cullman area veterans this week. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman County judges Rusty Turner and Gregory Nicholas this week took the next step toward the creation of a Veterans Treatment Court, holding a mentor recruiting and information session at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2214.  They welcomed retired Army Col. Ray Zimmerman, who has worked for several years with the successful Veterans Treatment Court program in Madison County, to come and describe that program, which serves as a model for the development of Cullman’s, and talk about the crucial role played by mentors. 

The Veterans Treatment Court, scheduled to hold its first session on April 25, will offer veterans who have been arrested for nonviolent offenses an alternative to jail time and a criminal record.  It will not excuse any crime committee, in fact, the veteran must plead guilty to the charge, but will work to help that person overcome whatever life situation brought him or her to the point of committing a crime.  Participants undergo three to six months of intensive supervision including regular drug screens and meetings with court officials, followed by periods of incrementally stepping down the requirements until the veteran is ready to graduate.  Participants typically stay in the program from 12-18 months.

Madison County’s Veterans Treatment Court currently enjoys an approximately 85 percent success rate.

Mentors a key to program 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.

Zimmerman told The Tribune, “The mentor is here to provide the opportunities for the mentee to improve his station in life.”

Mentors come to court with participants, help them navigate through the legal and treatment system, and hold them accountable for meeting their program requirements.  While they are not to present themselves as counselors, mentors can offer a sympathetic ear for participants who just need to talk through some issues. Maybe the most important resource they offer the participants is their friendship.

Zimmerman told the crowd that the mentor’s best tool: “Just care about your mentee.”

According to Nicholas, “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.”

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

Cullman County is currently seeking only military veterans to serve as mentors, believing that people who understand the military experience and “speak the language” can offer the best help to other veterans.

Turner, who is a Navy veteran himself, will take the lead in Veterans Treatment Court, with Nicholas in a support role.  

Turner told The Tribune, “I think it will give people an opportunity to, if they’ve made a bad choice, that they can rectify that bad choice and turn a negative into a positive, and hopefully get their life back on track.

“If it’s something relatively serious, or if it’s just a minor hiccup that can affect their employment and definitely affect their relationship with their family members, if we can help fix that, then I’m all for it.”

Get involved

At the end of the meeting, several people present began filling out mentor applications on the spot, but the judges will take as many qualified applicants as they can get.

If you are a veteran who is interested in helping other veterans by becoming a mentor, contact VFW Post 2214 Commander Will Harris at 256-739-6611 or email twodogwill@hotmail.com.  Mentor applications are available from, and completed forms can be dropped off at, the VFW Post, 112 Veterans Dr. SW in Cullman.

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