CULLMAN, Ala. - Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 4, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

Feb. 28

• domestic violence; Hwy. 69 S
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1043
• harassment; CR 399
• permitting dogs to run at  large; CR 1152
• theft of property; Schaeffel Rd.
• harassment; CR 617

March 1

• unlawful possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1612
• permitting dogs to run at large; CR 1101
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance; Olive St. SW
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance; CR 222/CR 411
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of marijuana; Hwy. 278 W
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of marijuana; Hwy. 69 S
• harassment; Hwy. 91
• theft of property, criminal mischief; CR 143
• unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; Hwy. 69 S
• theft of property; CCR 347
• unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; CR 437            

March 2

• domestic violence; CR 1339
• assault; Lindsey Rd.

March 3

• unlawful possession of marijuana; Hwy. 157/CR 1248
• harassment; CR 1564
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 1246/Hwy. 157
• domestic violence; Countryside Acres
• unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; CR 1422
• assault; Smith Lake Park
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 522
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; CR 437
• harassment; CR 1583
• domestic violence; CR 961
• domestic violence, reckless endangerment; Beech Ave. SE
• burglary; Lindsey Rd.
• domestic violence; CR 437
• criminal mischief; CR 1298
• theft of property; CR 520

Arrests

Feb. 28

Beebe, Tyrone Daishawn, 21

• probation violation- third-degree burglary

Clemmons, Charles Randolph, 19

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

Elliott, Joshua Dustin Donnie, 34

• third-degree domestic violence

Lissyen, Mariana, 33

• second-degree cruelty to a dog or cat

Meeks, Bradford Neal, 28

• first-degree bail jumping
• third-degree domestic violence- harassing communications
• harassing communications
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Regelin, Ronald Allen, 53

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Shikle, William Carlton, 31

• writ of arrest- child support

Wren, Mahalla Nicole, 39

• FTA- carrying a pistol without a license
• FTA- unlawful distribution of a controlled substance
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

March 1-3

Bagwell, Brian Keith, 35

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

Bigham, Emily Kristen, 23

• probation violation- third-degree theft of property

Cantrell, Jamen Randy, 19

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

Cantrell, Jerimiah Ross, 22

• third-degree domestic violence

Cole, Eric Dwain, 53

• FTA- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (2 counts)

Collins, Brenda Diane, 37

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Combs, Holly Ann, 45

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

Day, Sidney Ryan, 35

• FTA- driver’s license not in possession
• FTA- liability insurance required

Dillard, Clayton Eugene Jr., 40

• GJ- first-degree receiving stolen property

Dooley, Jay Dillon, 26

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

Evans, David Eric, 39

• FTA- driving while suspended

Grimes, Tiffanie Ann, 33

• public intoxication
• resisting arrest

Hall, Matthew Raeshard, 20

• harassment

Hyde, Kimberly Leighann, 39

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

Lynn, Donald Joe Jr., 28

• FTA- third-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Maze, Dalton Keith, 27

• DUI

Pinson, Dominick Jermaine, 24

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Quinn, Alix Deven, 24

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Runyon, Jeremy Alan, 31

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

Swann, Danny Ray, 56

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Swann, Michael Dean, 54

• unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Terry, Jaime Leann, 42

• FTA- child restraint required

Tisdale, Christopher Lewis, 29

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Watts, Norris Leon III, 26

• second-degree criminal mischief

White, James Roy, 41

• second-degree criminal mischief

Wilhoite, Casey Suzanne, 33

• GJ- third-degree burglary

Williams, Colby Alan, 20

• second-degree promoting prison contraband

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

Feb. 28

• fourth-degree theft of property; The Link of Cullman County; 9th St. SE; router; $162

March 1

• counterfeit $100; State of Alabama; Eva Rd. NE
• first-degree robbery; Woodforest National Bank; Olive St. SW; cash
• fourth-degree theft of property; Cherokee Chevron; Cherokee Ave. SW; gas; $33
• harassment; person; Austin Ave. SW

March 2

• fourth-degree theft of property; Belk; Cullman Shopping Center; shoes; $195
• fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Hwy. 157; cash; $150

Arrests

March 1-3

Christiansen, Joseph W., 33

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- driving while suspended

Giles, Gerald G., 59

• FTA- third-degree domestic violence

Dotson, Samuel A., 24

• DUI

Mead, Hannah M., 20

• DUI
• minor in consumption of alcohol
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Wise, Lisa D., 47

• possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)

Clark, Theresa D., 54

• fourth-degree theft of property

Suggs, Dametra A., 35

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

Dunaway, Matthew F., 30

• DUI

McClure, Charles B., 43

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

Hagood, William J., 34

• FTA- driving without a license
• FTA- leaving the scene of an accident

Shines, Tara M., 26

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

A large crowd at Cullman City Hall holds up signs rejecting or supporting a proposed rezoning change as City of Cullman planning commissioners prepared to vote. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - The City of Cullman Planning Commission on Monday night voted to recommend to the Cullman City Council a request to rezone property on Morningside Drive Southwest to a classification that would allow the development of the site as an apartment complex if the property owners choose.

Residents of the Kinwood Acres neighborhood around Morningside and supporters packed the city hall auditorium to protest the proposed rezoning of an undeveloped 10-acre parcel near the intersection of Morningside and Main Avenue Southwest. Weichert Realtors- Carter & Company Real Estate Agent Wendy Childers was present to represent property owners James Roden and Elizabeth Jochum in their request to rezone the property from R-2 (low-density family dwellings, private homes) to R-4 (high-density family dwellings).

Childers came forward to address the commission during the public hearing.  On the other side of the controversy, when Commission Chairman Mike Voss asked if anyone had come to speak against the request, 59 audience members raised their hands.  The opponents were well organized; where they had been cut off at the last meeting for repeating each other’s arguments, a small group of speakers each presented separate and specific statements on their reasons for opposing the measure Monday night.

As the time for a vote came, Voss informed the crowd that the commission had to follow the law and city ordinances and that this body could only make a recommendation to the city council, which will make the final decision on rezoning.

With that, the commission approved the motion to recommend, but on a split vote. Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs and Commissioners Voss, Wendell Copeland, Bobby Kelley and Sherry Drake voted to recommend the rezoning.  Commissioner Steve Cummings voted against the measure, and Andy Page and Trent Lowery abstained.

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Ruth Shaw, 86, of Cullman, was welcomed into Heaven by her Lord and Savior on March 2, 2019. She was born March 4, 1932, to Rufus and Mary Belle Johnson Bates.

Ruth was a member of Holly Pond First Baptist Church. She served as the secretary at the church for many years. Ruth loved to travel with her husband, Rayburn. They also enjoyed Alabama football and thoroughly enjoyed attending the games. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She will be missed by many.

Mrs. Shaw is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Mary Bates; husband, Rayburn Shaw; sons, Bruce Shaw, Teddy Shaw; and daughter, Diane Shaw.

Survivors include her sister, Nell Harbison; grandchildren, Bruce Shaw II, Michelle Boulahanis, Ray Echols, Bryan Echols; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Shaw will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Holly Pond First Baptist Church, Pastor Benjamin Smothers officiating. Burial will follow in Holly Pond Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family two hours prior to services, from noon until services begin at 2 p.m.

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

Robert Leo “Mooneye” Riddle, 80, of Houston passed away on March 2, 2019.

Leo was born on June 30, 1938 in Moreland, Alabama. He was a lifelong member of Moreland New Home Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Moreland New Home Baptist Church where services will be held at 1 p.m. Brother Donnie Gaither and Brother Danny Page will officiate.  Burial will be in Moreland New Home Baptist Church Cemetery.

He is survived by his sons, Danny Haynes Riddle and his wife Sheila, Robert Daniel Riddle and his wife Kristy, and Roy Lee Riddle and his wife Jessica; daughter, Tierney Charleene Wilson and her husband Ken; brother, Odis Riddle; sister, Gladys Hayes; He was Paw Paw to 7 grandchildren, Haynes Riddle, Gabe Fulenwider, Clancie Quattlebaum, Jansen Wilson, Jaxsen Wilson, Aubrey Riddle and Haisley Riddle; and 7 great grandchildren, Charlee Fulenwider, Gavin Fulenwider, Griffin Fulenwider, Grant Fulenwider, Violet Lee, Max Riddle and Brier Riddle.

Funeral Service for Wallie Van Nichols, 76, will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Larry Duke officiating; burial at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Nichols passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2019. He was born, June 11, 1942 to Luther and Rubie Nichols

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Wayne Nichols

Survivors include his wife, Martha Nichols, son, Tim (Tammy) Nichols, daughter, Tina (Jac) O’Hair, grandchildren, Eli Nichols, Savannah Lemon, Wesley McWhirter, Landon McWhirter, Taylor Segers, Dawson Segers, and Jac O’Hair Jr., great-grandchildren, Brodie Van Lemon, and Brynlee Claire Bonnett, two sisters, Wanda Reynolds, and Sharon Bice.

In lieu of flowers, make donations to West Point High School Fishing Team.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Funeral service for Kency S. Ayllon Cruz, 30, of Cullman, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at Daystar Church, with interment in Cullman Heritage Cemetery. Kip Potter will be officiating.
Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Ms. Cruz passed away Saturday, March 2, 2019, at Cullman Regional Medical Center. She was born Aug. 4, 1988 in Honduras to parents Norman Joel Ayllon and Blanca Azucena Cruz.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Felipa Andino, and grandfather, Felipe Cruz.

Survivors include her son, Brody Hathcox; daughter, Bella Howell; the love of her life, Daniel Willingham; mother, Blanca (Shannon) Johnson; father, Norman Joel Ayllon; sisters, Marjorie Edmondson, Genesis Ayllon, Gabriella Ayllon; brother, Christian Johnson; aunts, Gladys Fowler, Mary Valladares; uncle, Santiago Valladares; cousins, Julio Valladares and Caroline Shepperd.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday evening at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. Then, at Daystar Church Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.

Funeral Service for Mable Raley, 91, of Vinemont, will be at noon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Tommy Blackwood officiating; burial at Ebenezer Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Raley passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019. She was born, March 15, 1927 to George and Mabel Cook.

She is preceded in death by her, husband, Elton Raley, parents, son, Jimmy Dwight Raley, and daughter, Sonia Janette Hendrix.

Survivors include her grandchildren, Aundrea (David) Kelley, Darlene (Jeff) Nuss, Tomesha (Skip) Montgomery, Desti ( Duston) Neighbors, son-in-law, Tommy Hendrix, daughter-in-law, Joyce Laney, great grandchildren, Kaeleigh Nuss, Nickolas Nuss, Bryant Kelley, Ethan Kelley, Alyssa Nuss, Jordan Tanner, Alexis Montgomery, Isabella Neighbors, and Ellie Grace Neighbors.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Funeral service for O'Neal Rodgers, 68, of Vinemont, will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Allan Kuykendall officiating; interment in Flint Creek Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Rodgers passed away on Sunday, March 3, 2019, at Cullman Regional. He was born Sept. 4, 1950, to Oscar Rodgers, Jr. and Eddie Mae Rogers.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Janet Rodgers; daughters, Candi (Brent) Cupp and Brandi (Rowdy Zane) Burney; grandchildren, Caleb Cupp, Karlie Cupp, Hunter (Abby) Taylor, Clay (Mykenzie) Taylor, Luke (Morgan) Taylor; great-grandchildren, Caysen Taylor, Kazleigh Taylor, Breanan Marlow, Oakley Marlow, and Adalynn Taylor; brother, Clark (Susan) Rodgers; sisters, Sharon (Gary) Miller and Shelia (Steve) Cahela; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Helen Lavern Taylor, 92, of Hanceville will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Bethlehem East Baptist Church. Rev. Russ Fox and her grandson, Joby Crane, officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. Hanceville Funeral Home directing. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening beginning at 6 p.m.

Mrs. Taylor was called home by her Creator and Lord on Sunday, March 3, 2019. She was born July 21, 1926 to Clarence and Ollie Miller Bailey. In 1945 she married Henry Leslie Taylor. They enjoyed over 70 wonderful years together, raising seven children. She was a loving wife, mother and longtime member of Bethlehem East Baptist Church.

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers.

She is survived by sons Larry (Linda) Taylor, Garry (Jan) Taylor, and Bobby (Kim) Taylor; daughters Joyce Scott, Linda (Dr. Joe) Crane, Terri Taylor and Janie (Tony) Novara; sisters Mildred (Thomas) Graves, Ola Mae Callahan and Evelyn Tucker; twenty-one grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, one great-great-grandson and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Taylor Family Endowment Scholarship at the Business School at Auburn University (317 College St. Auburn, AL 36489).

Funeral services Freddie Boatright, 78, of Hanceville will be 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at the Hanceville Funeral Chapel. Family will receive friends at Hanceville Funeral Home beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday March 5. He will be buried at the Bethlehem East Cemetery.

Mr. Boatright passed on March 2, 2019 at Woodland Village. He was formerly employed by the City of Hanceville.

Survivors include his wife, Alice Boatright of Hanceville, stepdaughter Jennifer Blaylock of Hartselle and stepson Jeremy Rodgers of Baldwin. Other survivors include eight step-grandchildren.

Brownie D. West, 81, of Harvest, Alabama, passed away Friday, March 1, 2019.

Brownie is survived by his wife Patsy West, sons, Glen West, Jay West (Donna), Neal West (Megan), daughter, Jill Tolbert (Robert), brother, Perry West, sister, Susie Buettner (Bob), 13 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 6, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at Legacy Chapel Funeral Home in Madison, Alabama. A second visitation will be held Thursday, March 7, 2019 from 10-11 a.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church in Madison, Alabama with the service following at 11 a.m. Interment will take place at Cullman Memory Gardens beginning at 1:30 p.m. Fellowship will follow at Cullman First United Methodist Church, 320 Third Ave. SE, Cullman, AL 35055.

Memorials may be made to Big Oak Ranch https://4458.thankyou4caring.org/pages/honor-and-memorial-donations or Clearview Cancer Institute, 3601 CCI Drive.

A State Mortuary Operations Response Team (SMORT) vehicle is seen in Lee County, Alabama on Monday, March 4, 2019. (Jeremy L. Kilpatrick)

LEE COUNTY, Ala. - The State Mortuary Operations Response Team (SMORT), led by SMORT Commander and Cullman County native Doug Williams, is in Lee County assisting local authorities with the identification of victims from Sunday’s deadly tornadoes. SMORT was activated Sunday night.

Authorities in Lee County put the death toll at 23, with dozens more injured. Homes and buildings were destroyed and damaged by the tornado there, which the National Weather Service said Monday was an EF-4. Chris Darden with the National Weather Service described the tornado that tore through Lee County as a “monster,” with 170 mph winds and a storm track almost 1 mile wide and at least 24 miles long.

Said Williams, “We’re down here with the state mortuary team, made up of folks from all across the state. We have state equipment, vehicles. Our equipment is put together to help recover bodies from things like this and to take them in and identify them and get them to the proper family members for burial. That’s what we’re doing,” said Williams. “This time we weren’t involved in recovery. They were handling that with local fire departments and things like that. They’re still out cutting trees and going through neighborhoods, but they feel pretty much like they’ve found everybody.”

Williams said his team has been deployed several times.

“The last big one was in 2011, when we had all of those folks across the state.”

Williams’ team in Lee County is made up of 12 people, including Cullman County Coroner Jeremy L. Kilpatrick.

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), SMORT is "an organized group of volunteers located throughout the state who will respond to assist the local coroner (at their request) during mass fatality events. Members of SMORT include licensed funeral directors, embalmers, coroners and emergency management personnel."

The organization is composed entirely of volunteers, all of whom are experts in some related field.  Though they work in fields related to mortuary sciences, they take time off from work and give up personal leave to train for and respond to mass fatality events.

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CULLMAN, Ala. - The United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) on Monday announced it has established a relief fund to help with the recovery efforts from the devastating and widespread damage caused by Sunday’s tornadoes. It says all contributions donated to United Way’s Lee County Tornado Relief Fund will be used to help with both immediate, basic needs and long-term recovery services.

“United Way of Cullman County will send 100 percent of the donations made to the relief fund to help with recovery efforts,” said UWCC Executive Director Becky Goff. “We are collaborating with other United Ways, 2-1-1 call centers and disaster organizations in the impacted areas to help in the recovery efforts.”

United Way’s 2-1-1 is a free hotline that provides information to individuals seeking community resources such as shelter, food and water, recovery support and other basic needs, before, during and after disasters. Anyone who needs help related to the tornado can contact 2-1-1 by simply dialing 2-1-1 from a cell phone or landline.

Year-round, United Way invests in first responders, so they can respond quickly in times of disaster, as they are doing now.  If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call 2-1-1, the United Way funded community resource line for emergency assistance 24 hours a day.

To give to the United Way Lee County Tornado Relief Fund:

• Give online at www.uwaycc.org
• Contact UWCC at 256-739-2948
• Mail checks to United Way of Cullman County/Lee County Relief Fund, P.O. Box 116 Cullman, AL 35056.

Photo courtesy of the UWCC.

Left to right are Cullman Publix Store Manager Brad Boshell, Assistant Manager Adam Call, Assistant Customer Service Manager Jay Kappelman and United Way of Cullman County Executive Director Becky Goff. (W.C. Man for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - United Way of Cullman County (UWCC) board members, staff and volunteers on Monday celebrated “Publix Appreciation Day” to show their appreciation to the grocery store for its support.  In an internal fundraising campaign, employees of the Cullman Publix contributed more than $40,000 to UWCC.

“Cullman Publix Super Market associates exceeded expectations in their third United Way Campaign with donations totaling more than $43,000.  This is the third local campaign since Publix opened its doors in October of 2015. Contributions from the 2018-19 campaign will benefit United Way of Cullman County’s 17 local program partners.  Publix Super Market Charities will announce a corporate gift to Cullman County United Way later this month,” said a statement from UWCC.

“Publix and their employees are consistently one of the top donors to United Way of Cullman County.  We are incredibly thankful for the outstanding commitment to support United Way. We could not continue to meet the needs of our community without their generosity,” said Becky Goff, executive director, UWCC.  “We are honored and grateful to the employees who give back to the communities they serve, not only do they donate funds but they also donate their time and talents in order to improve lives in our community.”

Cullman Publix Store Manager Brad Boshell told The Tribune, “We have a great partnership between Publix and United Way across the country.  We are one of the largest contributors to United Way company-wide, but I’m especially proud of us here in Cullman County. We have what’s called ‘leadership givers,’ and we have more leadership givers in this store than the rest of Cullman County combined, so I’m really proud of our associates for giving their time.  We give time as well, and a little bit out of their paychecks that goes back to the community.

“That is part of our mission statement at Publix, is to be involved as responsible citizens in our communities, and we really believe that and we take that to heart.  And by the way, this is just one way that we feel that we can give back to the community.

“I’m very proud of my associates here at the store.  We had a really good campaign, and I’m just really, really proud to be able to do this for United Way.”

According to UWCC, Publix Super Markets, Inc. surpassed its 2018 goal and raised $65.3 million for local United Ways in the United States. Located in only six states, Publix is ranked the third largest United Way donor in the world.

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Cullman resident Dan Miller, who also owns a farm near the proposed new site of Rock the South, came to voice his opposition to the relocation of the event at Monday night’s Cullman City Council meeting. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. -  Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs, during Monday night’s Cullman City Council meeting, took a moment to express sympathy for the victims of Sunday’s tornadoes in Lee County and other areas, reading a statement:

“On behalf of the city council, myself and the citizens of Cullman, I’d like to express our thoughts and prayers for the people of Lee County, Alabama and other areas affected by this weekend’s devastating tornadoes.  Our hearts go out to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to everyone whose homes or businesses were destroyed or damaged. Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the emergency personnel and others sent (for) rescue, relief and recovery efforts.

“The City of Cullman stands ready to help.  We’ve gone through this; we all experienced it, and it’s just hard to imagine what happened in just such a brief span of time yesterday afternoon.”  

Art Park renovation moves ahead

The council passed a resolution to purchase a small parcel of land adjacent to Art Park on Main Avenue Southwest.  Cullman Parks, Recreation, and Sports Tourism Executive Director Nathan Anderson said the plot will likely be used to expand parking at the park.

Anderson also took a moment to address the council about the renovation project:

“We’re very excited about this.  This is unlike any other park that we’ve renovated lately.  We appreciate the support. What’s really been interesting is we’ve experienced a lot of great support from businesses and individuals, and even our foundation board for this project.

“We thought that we were just going to be able to get the site grading completed, the sidewalks-because the street department’s helping and your support.  We knew we were going to get the playground in, but now we’re able to build a deck because Lowe’s is donating the lumber. We’re able to do a small-scale amphitheater because the foundation board has declared that as their project this year for Dinner on First fundraising, and I think we can cover the cost of that in a fundraising event.

“And then there’s just some other things like a bathroom; we really need a bathroom onsite.  Spoke to the artist recently that we’re commissioning our first art piece with, and it looks like August is his date to complete the sculpture, so we’ll have our first art piece and some really cool RGB lighting in the park.  So we’re really excited about the project.”

For more on this project, see www.cullmantribune.com/articles/2017/04/15/huge-day-cpr-art-park-festiva....

In other business, the council approved the following requests:

• from Busy Bee Cafe, 101 Fifth Street SE, to hold the café’s 100th Birthday Celebration on First Avenue Southeast between Fifth Street Southeast and Fourth Street Southeast on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m.
• from Diablo’s Southwest Grill, 1302 Second Avenue SW, Suite B, for a restaurant alcohol license, which received a favorable recommendation from the City of Cullman Alcohol Review Committee.

The council also approved the following resolutions (from the agenda):

• to submit the grant application to the Alabama Recycling Fund to improve and enhance the City of Cullman’s Recycling Program.
• to enter into a professional services agreement with The Lollar Group to develop a crisis communications plan and crisis training in the amount not to exceed $4,500.
• to authorize the mayor to enter into a purchase agreement for land on Mitchell Road Northeast located at the intersection of Child Haven Road Northeast.

The Cullman City Council usually meets on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month at 7 p.m. in the Cullman City Hall auditorium.  The public is invited to attend.

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Left to right are Anna Marie Skonieczny, Anita Russell, Betty Moore, Julia Lovin Ducker and Dixie Anderson. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - A new exhibit featuring the work of the Decatur Porcelain Artists (DPA) opened Tuesday at the Cullman County Museum. The display showcases a vast array of porcelain items with images celebrating Alabama’s Bicentennial. The exhibit will be on display for two months.

DPA will hold an open house at the museum on March 23 from noon until 2 p.m. Members will be demonstrating their art, giving people of all ages a chance to come learn about porcelain art. Four different stations will be set up to demonstrate different painting techniques. 

Founded in 2010 by Anna Marie Skonieczny and Dixie Anderson, DPA will celebrate the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary next year. The group is made up of more than 15 artists from throughout north Alabama who meet each month at the Decatur Public Library. Many of the members teach painting classes in their communities, and the group donates some of its hand-painted porcelain items to charities and fundraisers. 

Historic buildings and landmarks, wildlife, flora and other things unique to Alabama are painted on the exhibit pieces. The display also includes gorgeous Delft artwork by Dixie Anderson.

Several of the lovely and talented women from DPA were at the museum Monday to help set up their artwork.

Said Skonieczny, “Most of the historic places and things like the rocket and state seal were done specifically for the Bicentennial exhibit. Some of the other pieces were done before.” 

The group explained that the paintings, done with pen and china paints, take a long time to complete. Selling the pieces is not something they often do because the prices often don’t cover the investment of time and expense put into their work. Instead, they give pieces as gifts to family and friends.

Skonieczny explained, “George Benson, who is from Cullman, was with us for years, and he is in a nursing home now. He really wanted a painting of Weiss Cottage. I painted it for the exhibit and for him.”

The group’s porcelain exhibit was recently on display at the Decatur Train Depot for two months. Due to its popularity, DPA has been asked to return next year for four months when Decatur celebrates its bicentennial. The artwork will be shown until April 29, 2019 at the Cullman County Museum. 

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Guests look over items in the live auction at the Cullman Rotary Club Auction in 2018. This year’s auction will take place Friday, March 8. (Cullman Tribune file photo)

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman Rotary Club will host its 46th annual auction this Friday, March 8 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Cullman Civic Center.

The club says the auction will include various household, personal and business items donated by local merchants. Guests can also enter drawings for a Glock 9mm handgun and $500 cash. Admission is free.

“This is an event we look forward to every year. Our local businesses, industries and individuals generously donate auction items to help us raise money for community projects,” said Cullman Rotary Club Fundraising Chair Eli Howard. “We have some outstanding auction items this year that range from small items to larger items. We have items  that will fit everyone’s price range. We also have raffle tickets available for a $500 cash prize and tickets available for a Glock 9mm handgun raffle. Last year we raised over $50,000 and this year we look forward to raising even more money for the community. All proceeds support our charitable projects and we recognize our sponsors at the time of the auction.”

Said Cullman Rotary Club President Michael Fuller, “This is our one fundraiser for the year and Rotarians work hard to make it a success. We are so thankful for all the support from the community and the dedication to making the Cullman Rotary Auction a success.”

4:30 p.m. Viewing

5:30-6:15 p.m. Silent Auction

6:45 p.m. Live Auction

All proceeds will benefit community projects.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Signing with Wallace State’s Aviation/Flight Technology program were Anthony Hall and Jacob Martin during the 4th annual Career and Technical Signing Day. Bert Mackentepe is the program chair.

HANCEVILLE, Ala.–  Francisco Tomas is eager to get immersed into Wallace State’s Electronics Technology program once the Fall 2019 semester begins.

“I’ve had an interest in robotics for about the last three years and love building things from scratch and brainstorming with others to solve problems. I’m stoked to be here. I’ve met my future classmates and hope we challenge each other,” said Tomas, an Albertville High student.

Tomas was among 48 students recently in attendance during Wallace State’s 4th annual Career and Technical Letter of Intent Signing Day, hosted by the Applied Technologies Division to celebrate the college’s incoming students for the upcoming summer and fall semesters. The event was held in acknowledgment of National Career Technical Education (CTE) Month through the National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).  

“This event grows every year and we may have to move locations if it keeps growing, which is a good thing. I’m always impressed with the parental support at this event. It’s a great day all-around,” said Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s Dean of Applied Technologies. “Wallace State is continually being recognized as a leader in workforce development through our skilled trade programs, and I’m excited to see where all of this momentum takes us.”

Wallace State’s Career and Technical Signing Day has attracted an increase in participation each year. The event is modeled after an athletics signing, and each student in attendance officially commits to their respective programs or majors as their future instructors look on.

Wallace State welcomed incoming students who committed to join the following Wallace State programs: agricultural production/horticulture, aviation/flight technology, automotive service technology, building construction, culinary arts, diesel technology, mechatronics/electronics technology, engineering technology, HVAC/refrigeration, machine tool technology, salon and spa management and welding.

“You are a part of something very important. Today is the beginning of tomorrow for you. I can tell you that when you graduate from the programs you are majoring in that you’ll never be without a job,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “The skills and competencies that you develop and master here will lead to a bright future. I commit to you that you will not be disappointed in the education you receive here.”

Barry May, the executive director of Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System, attended the annual event in addition to industry representatives from Snap-On and Greenlee.

Each student in attendance had the opportunity to apply for a technical scholarship and receive guidance from Wallace State’s Career Services department. Students received a Wallace State hat upon signing and had the opportunity to tour their respective programs.

Over the past months, Wallace State’s Applied Technologies Division has announced an automotive service technology apprenticeship agreement with Mercedes-Benz and launched the college’s Electronics Technology program as an Alabama Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (F.A.M.E.) chapter. Wallace State also hosted a groundbreaking for a new state-of-the-art welding facility.

“Momentum is definitely on our side and we want to keep this ball rolling. We have one of the largest technical divisions in the state and we want to continue to grow and grow. We get phone calls on a weekly basis from employers, seeking our students and graduates to fill jobs,” Hodges said.

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

You can watch video of the Signing Day event here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lgFeuRi2BkM&feature=youtu.be

You can view pictures of the Signing Day event here: www.flickr.com/photos/wallacestate/albums/72157676784905747

Lillian Kaiser (left) won first place, and Maira Cortes (right) took second in The Torch Cosmetology Competition at Bevill State Community College. (contributed); Lillian Kaiser’s winning hair design (contributed)

CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) students recently took the top two places in The Torch Cosmetology Competition at Bevill State Community College.  Lillian Kaiser won first place, and was offered a $1,000 scholarship to Bevill State. Maira Cortes won second place.

CATA Cosmetology instructor Tasha Flanigan said, “It is our seventh year in a row to win The Torch! Hard work pays off!  These students have a strong work ethic and passion; that is what it takes to be successful.”

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Here are some events happening around Cullman through Sunday, March 10. To submit events, go to www.CullmanTribune.com/Calendar.

Yoga at the Library- Wednesday, March 6

Every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cullman County Public Library

200 Clark St. NE

Cullman, AL 35055

Bring your own mat, strap and block. These items are optional.

Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser- Thursday, March 7

There will be a fundraiser at Chick-fil-A for the Committee on Church Cooperation (CCC) on Thursday, March 7, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  Please mention CCC when placing an order.

46th Annual Cullman Rotary Club Auction- Friday, March 8

Friday, March 8 beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Cullman Civic Center

Various household, person and business items donated by local merchants

Enter drawings for a Glock 9mm handgun and $500 cash

Free admission

4:30 p.m. Viewing

5:30-6:15 p.m. Silent Auction

6:45 p.m. Live Auction

All proceeds will benefit community projects.

Smith Lake Park Spring Yard Sale- Saturday, March 9

Join us on Saturday, March 9 for our Smith Lake Park Spring Yard Sale! It's free to the public! Set up begins at 6 a.m. and sale begins at 7 a.m.

Vendor grass spots are $10 and pavilions are $35 and $55. Vendors will pay at the gate on the day of the sale. Reservations only needed for pavilions.

For more info, call 256-739-2916.

Cullman Lions Club Fish and Ham Dinner- Saturday, March 9

March 9 is the day for the Cullman Lions Club annual Fish and Ham Dinner. Fish/ham with all the trimmings, including homemade  desert and drink all for a donation of $10. Cullman Middle School cafeteria  from 11 a.m. until  6 p.m.. Dine in with your friends, carry out or drive through. The donations will be used for community and eyesight  projects.

Senior Outreach Organization Dinner and Entertainment- Saturday, March 9

The Senior Outreach Organization meets on the first, second and third Saturday of each month at The Link of Cullman County. (It is not affiliated with The Link of Cullman County, it is only renting the building.) The meal begins at 5 p.m. and the entertainment starts at 5:30 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. 708 9th St SE, Cullman

St. Bernard Open House- Sunday, March 10

St. Bernard Preparatory School in Cullman is hosting Spring Open House -  Sunday afternoon, March 10, 2019 from 1-4 p.m.  Families are invited to tour the school and find out more information about St. Bernard Prep.  St. Bernard Prep is operated by the monks of St. Bernard Abbey.  Alabama’s only Catholic boarding school, St. Bernard offers a quality education to students in grades 7-12.  For more information visit www.stbernardprep.com or call the admissions office to schedule an appointment at 256-739-6682. 

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.