John Curtis Weldon of Hayden passed away March 10, 2019 at the age of 72. He was born on Sept. 21, 1946 to Early Hudson and Janet Elizabeth Lamont Weldon.

Graveside services are Friday, March 15, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Fairview West Baptist Cemetery with Rev. Gene Cook officiating.

Survivors are: wife Sharon Weldon, daughter Karen Elizabeth Weldon, sons Freddie D. Weldon, Joshua Weldon, sisters Peggy Sansing, Ruby Sansing, Betty Campbell, brothers Robert Weldon, Paul Weldon, four step-grandchildren, nine step- great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at the graveside Friday. The will be no visitation at Moss Funeral Home.

Tracy Van Bishop, 51 of Atlanta, Georgia entered into rest on March 8, 2019 at his home.

Tracy was born on Sept. 8, 1967 in Jasper, Alabama. He graduated from Winston County High School in 1985, Ole Miss class of 1989, Ole Miss Grad School in 1991, and had a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in Linguistics. Tracy worked at Baylor University from 1991-1993, University of Wisconsin 1993-1998, NYU 2002-2006, Hofstra 2006-2007, Washington University 2007-2011, Little Rock, Arkansas 2011-2013, University of Arkansas 2013-2016, and Atlanta Metropolitan State College 2017-2019. He enjoyed playing the French horn, board games, playing cards, and had many achievements in his life.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 1-4 p.m. at Addison Church of God in Addison, Alabama, where services will be held at 4 p.m. Steton Hayes and Pastor Rodney Ridgeway will officiate.

Tracy is survived by his parents, Larry and Sandra Bishop; brother, Shane Bishop; sister, LaShay Bishop and her husband Shane Childs; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Walter and Tressie Bishop, and Odie and Mauvelene Hayes.

Memorial/Homegoing services for Joyce Beatrice Davis Jacobs, 84, of Hanceville are Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Joy Baptist Church, Mike Lansford, Greg Lee and Leigh-Ann Stewart officiating.

Mrs. Jacobs passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 41 years, James H. Jacobs; children, Diane (Walter) Meyer, Joyce Michelle (Jerry) Moore, Melanie (Lee) Collier, Allison Jacobs and Wes Jacobs; special niece, Peggy Martin; grandchildren, Kenneth (Leigh-Ann) Stewart, Tina Campbell, Leah (Ronny) Duke, Ian Minor, Chelsea Moore, MaKayla Moore, Patricia Autrey, Joey (Jamie) Collier, Jonathan (Heather) Collier, Jennifer Hastings, Ivan Gamez, Christopher Gamez, Susan Jacobs, Tristin Jacobs, Jaydon Jacobs and Wesley Jacobs; 19 great grandchildren; four great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Thelma Davis; brothers, Quinton Davis and Don Davis and daughter, Susan Venita Cox.

Funeral Service for Larry Milton Pearson, 66, of Cullman, will be at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Rodgers, Don Bates, Wesley Hastings, and Faith Rusk officiating; interment in Fairview Methodist Cemetery.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Pearson passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019, at UAB Hospital. He was born Nov. 7, 1952, to Thomas M. and Velda Mae Pearson.

Throughout his life, he was a dedicated employee of Bates Road Builders and Hastings Construction.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Vernon Pearson.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Pearson; daughter, Misty Pearson; son, Rodney Looney; granddaughter, Faith Rusk; sisters, Sheila (Hoyt) Massey, Keithel (Mark) McEntire, Eithal (Randy) Shelton, and Teachell Pearson; brothers, Dewayne (Judy) Pearson and Byron Pearson; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Sandra Knight Goodwin, 52, of Holly Pond, passed away March 10, 2019. She was born March 21, 1966, to Ted G.B. Knight and Norma Bradley Morris.

Ms. Goodwin is preceded in death by her father, Ted G.B. Knight; and brothers, Ted Dewayne Knight and Mark Allen Knight.

Survivors include her mother, Norma Bradley Morris; friend, Ricky Thomas; sons, Rory (Emilee) Goodwin, Chris Goodwin; daughter, Summer Smith (Justin Ray); brothers, Keith Knight, Kenneth Knight; sisters, Connie (Carl) Gibbons, Lisa Laney; and one granddaughter, Rylee Goodwin.

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

Memorial Service for Michael Robert Hollis, age 61, of Decatur, will be at 2:00 PM on Thursday, March 14, 2019, at First Church of the Nazarene in Hartselle with Rev. Virgel Crisp officiating.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Hollis passed away on Monday, March 11, 2019, at Summerford Nursing Home. He was born January 12, 1958, to George Washington and Marie Hollis.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Hollis; son, Shane (Ashley) Hollis; stepdaughters, Lindsay (Darrell) Hawkins and Susan (Michael) Green; brothers, Bobby (Joyce) Hollis, Ronnie (Nancy) Hollis, and Alan (Ruth) Hollis; grandchildren, Chase Terry, Madalyn Hawkins, Carter Hollis, and Kaleb Hawkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Inez G. (she always said G. stood for “Gorgeous”, but her middle name was Gertrude!) Kingsley went home to God in Heaven on March 11, 2019 after over 86 years of a very good and generous life. Her funeral will be held at Sacred Heart Monastery chapel in Cullman, Alabama at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. on the same day. In some ways Inez was larger than life, especially in personality and spirit, but in some ways also very understated, for example in her low key way of being embracing of everyone and giving everything she could to make others’ lives better.

Born on May 28, 1932 in what she called “God’s country”, Pennsylvania, she was one of five children born to John Robert and Frances Marie Kingsley. She believed in a good education and hard work. She was an X-ray technician and was a respected radiology technician educator in a field then dominated by men. She was a lifelong, faith-filled Catholic who lived each day in gratitude for life and those around her. When she retired she came from Georgia to live at Benedictine Manor in Cullman where she lived almost 20 years. When she could no longer live without assistance, she moved to Folsom Center for Rehabilitation & Long Term Care in Cullman, where she lived another almost seven happy years. She was beloved by all who knew her and leaves in her wake many happy memories, good laughs, and kindness beyond telling.

Inez was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Francis V. (“Lefty”) Kingsley, and her sister Roberta (Bobby) Connolly. She is survived by two brothers, Fred (Pat) Kingsley of Apopka, Florida and Rick (Janet) Kingsley of Leesville, South Carolina. She also has many nieces and nephews and others who she adopted or who adopted her as their loving friend and mentor. God has called home this good and faithful servant where she now lives with God for all eternity.

Hanceville’s second annual Irish Heritage Festival is this Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Cullman Tribune file photo)

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - Put on your dancing shoes (and don’t forget to wear green!) for Hanceville’s second annual Irish Heritage Festival this Saturday, March 16 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival will be held in historic downtown Hanceville.

Founded in 1932 by Irish settlers, Hanceville plans to celebrate its Irish roots with authentic Irish music, dancing and drinks. The event is free, but be sure to bring some money as craft vendors will be offering their wares. Beverage and food vendors will also be there. To make sure everyone is feeling Irish, plenty of Irish “swag” will be available for purchase.

The festival is organized by Hanceville Friends of the Festival, which has put together a packed lineup of entertainment, including Black Market Haggis, A Shamrock in Kudzu, Chuck Carpenter and Tommy Chapman. Dancers from The O'Faoláin Academy of Irish Dance will also performing. 

The festival will get started with a Celtic Doggie Parade at 10 a.m. (All dogs must be leashed at all times, and don’t forget to be courteous. Please pick up after your pooches as they celebrate at the festival.) 

Festival schedule 

10-11 a.m. Celtic Doggie Parade

11 a.m.-noon Chuck Carpenter and Tommy Chapman, Magnolia Stage

12:30-1:30 p.m. A Shamrock in Kudzu, Magnolia Stage

2-3:30 p.m. Black Market Haggis, Magnolia Stage

3:30-4 p.m. O'Faoláin Academy of Irish Dance, Magnolia Stage

4-5 p.m. Black Market Haggis workshop/jam session

A play area for the kids will also be set up, including inflatables and bouncy houses. 

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

West Point Middle School was the overall winner of the Cullman County Middle School Math Tournament at Wallace State. (Photo courtesy Kimberly Lindsey, CCBOE)

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - West Point Middle School proved that its academic team talents extend beyond perennial scholars’ bowl dominance, taking the overall top spot in the Cullman County Middle School Math Tournament at Wallace State Community College last Friday. Its seventh- and eighth-grade teams won their grade levels, while Fairview’s sixth graders finished first in their level.

8th grade

First Place - West Point MS

Second Place - Vinemont MS

Third Place - Good Hope MS

Individual - 1. Pierce Lynn, 2. Jared Smith, 3. Savannah Keel, 4. Lauren Hancock, 5. Kimberly Wilt, 6. John Eslava, 7. Ayden Thomason, 8. Anna Martin, 9. Ethan Cook, 10. Landon Green

7th grade

First Place - West Point MS

Second Place - Hanceville MS

Third Place - Holly Pond MS

Individual - 1. Brady Cleek, 2. Logan Lisle, 3. Maggie Burks, 4. Dawson Simmons, 5. Thomas J Brown, 6. JD Cochran, 7. Ryan Hancock, 8. Crimson Wright, 9. Alana Lynn, 10. Brodey Witcher

6th grade

First Place - Fairview MS

Second Place - Good Hope MS

Third Place - West Point MS

Individual - 1. Eli Taylor, 2. Emma Elliott, 3. Gavin Pace, 4. Ben Bryan, 5. Taylor Patterson, 6. Zane Scott, 7. Dalton Pirkle, 8. Brock Wooten, 9. Brodie Henry, 10. Jack Wisdom

Thanks to Kimberly Lindsey, coordinator of secondary curriculum and instruction for Cullman County Schools, for sharing results and photos with The Tribune.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Living Water Services President Grady Parsons addresses the Good Hope City Council Monday night. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE, Ala. - The city’s sewer system was the main topic at the Good Hope City Council meeting Monday night. Living Water Services President Grady Parsons addressed the council with a proposal to conduct a study to monitor and evaluate the system.

Parsons said recent infiltration and inflow (I & I) reports show dramatic increases in the amount of water coming through the system, reporting, “This year we’ve seen the highest flow ever recorded out at the waste water plant. On February 11, we had 798,000 gallons in a day. Our permit is for 225,000 gallons a day, but our February average was 378,000, but if you can make your water quality so good you can stay in compliance.”

The city has remained in compliance, but the proposed study would create a long-term proactive maintenance plan.

Parsons added, “We don’t want to be reactive.”

He said the system has experienced four sanitary overflows this year, the most ever. Each has been reported, as required by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM).

Information gleaned from the proposed study could help identify problem areas, guiding scheduled maintenance plans, he said. Having a plan of action on record and in place could bolster the city’s case and possibly help it avoid fines should it ever be found not in compliance.

Parsons explained, “The report is also laying the groundwork to help get grant applications in.” He said working plan would increase the city’s chances of securing low-interest loans, grant monies or debt forgiveness type loans for planned repairs. 

Mayor Jerry Bartlett added, “It’s a fact of life that you are going to have to put some money into your sewer. It could cost us in the next five years- we could spend another $1.5 million on our sewer.”

The cost of the study is estimated to be between $23,500 to $26,000 for needed flow meters and an additional $8,500 for the review and recommendations. 

The council said it will discuss the proposal further and possibly vote on the resolution at the next meeting in two weeks. 

Other business 

Crosswalks will be repainted around the city to hopefully make pedestrian crossings more visible. Several incidents have been reported of pedestrians being in peril as motorists failed to yield at marked crosswalks. 

The city has agreed to extend a contract with AT&T for the next 9-10 years. The city will continue to receive quarterly payments of 5 percent for services to residents in Good Hope. This is the standard rate and state law mandates that the percentage can be no more than 5 percent.

The city hopes to soon upgrade the sign at the entrance to the park and city hall. Residents could soon see LED upgrades to the existing Good Hope sign and the addition of a digital message board. Similar to the sign at Tankersley Chiropractic, the sign will be able to show up-to-date messages including road and school closings, weather advisories, events and other community information. The council will vote on the possible addition in two weeks. 

The annual food drive is taking place this week to help keep the city’s food pantry stocked. Schools are collecting food items. To help challenge students, the class from each school with the most food donated will receive a pizza party. 

Finally, opening day for this year’s T-ball, softball and baseball season is scheduled for April 6. Bartlett invites everyone to come out. The opening ceremony will include a parade of teams, flag ceremony, the singing of the national anthem and the ceremonial first pitch. 

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Cullman County School Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette addresses the Cullman County Commission Tuesday morning. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

Updated 3-12-19 12:50 p.m.

CULLMAN, Ala. - The Cullman County Commission voted Tuesday morning to approve a new half-cent sales tax to benefit Cullman County Schools. The money will go toward facilities and safety upgrades for all county school campuses, as well as what is being called "Project X," the details of which are expected to be released soon, according to Cullman County Schools Superintendent Dr. Shane Barnette. The tax will be imposed for 15 years.

The commission’s vote was in a response to a request from the Cullman County Board of Education (CCBOE), which voted in an early Tuesday morning special-called meeting to approach the commission with the request.

According to Barnette, the tax will help fund improved security measures at county schools, including:

• Photo ID visitor check-in systems that can run an instant sex offender checks on visitors using information from a driver’s license or state ID card, and issue visitors a temporary badge with their photo on it
• Panic buttons located at multiple easily accessible points around campuses that can notify administrators and law enforcement of the specific location of trouble at the schools
• Extra School Resource Officers (SROs) for larger campuses or multi-campus complexes that could benefit from more coverage
• More fencing to secure the boundaries of campuses.  Barnette said, “We don’t want our schools to be a prison, but we want to make sure that they’re safe and secure.”
• Upgraded campus video camera systems accessible to administrators, law enforcement and emergency responders
• Certain other “invisible” security features guaranteeing that active shooters or other threats would face obstacles for which they would be unprepared

Additionally, the tax will help support facility upgrades and another upcoming CCBOE project.

Said Barnette, “We’ve got work to do as far as the safety and security of our schools, and to be able to do some of the things that I think are necessary to do, we’ve got to pay for it.  And so, with safety and security in mind, I came to them (the commission) and asked them if they would help with that and pass this half-cent sales tax to go toward that and go toward facilities.

“We also are doing a feasibility study with our Career Center.  We’re wanting to offer different programs that are going to help people from north Alabama get some of the business and industry jobs that are here now and that are coming.  So we need to invest some money in our Career Center to be able to do that, and that may mean renovating it, maybe building a new one. But we’ve got to do something to get more kids in there, get them trained so they can come out of high school ready for jobs.

“Then there’s another project that I’m really excited about, that’s been a dream of mine for a while, that right now I’m just calling it “Project X,” and I’ll be doing a press release on that in the next few days, I hope.  But right now, I just can’t release what that is, but it’s something that everybody can be a part of. We’re really excited about it.”

Barnette concluded with a word of thanks to the commissioners.

“I want to thank our commissioners for being bold and taking this opportunity to make a statement to the students of Cullman County that their safety is our top priority.  And so, some of these funds will go toward doing many different things for safety, and upgrading some facilities,” he said.

“They know as well as I know that nobody likes to pay taxes, especially no additional taxes, but this is an investment in our children, and that’s the way I look at it.  It’ll automatically roll off in 15 years unless the people want to vote it back on; if they don’t, it automatically rolls off. But the good thing about it is, the people of Cullman County will see what we’re spending this money on.  It is going to be very obvious what we’re spending the money on.”

The commission approved only the creation of the tax at this meeting.  The date for the implementation of the tax will be determined at a future meeting.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Darrell Skipper of Skipper Consulting talks about proposed parking areas around the new Rock the South location at Tuesday’s Cullman County Commission meeting. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - In the wake of Monday’s controversial revelation that Cullman County Engineer John Lang was in February given a $17,000 raise on top of last fall’s annual merit raise, bringing his salary to $123,825.74, the Cullman County Commission on Tuesday moved to bolster the bottom end of its pay scale by establishing a minimum hourly wage of $10.25 for County employees.  Under the current pay scale, new hires can make as little as $7.92 per hour. Under the new plan, which will go into effect in the next pay cycle beginning March 16, minimum pay for all Grade C-1 employees through Step 9, all Grade C-2 employees through Step 5, and all Step 1 C-3 employees will be raised to $10.25 per hour.

Commissioner Garry Marchman addressed both Lang’s raise--which he opposed--and the new minimum wage, telling The Tribune, “I was against the increase of the salary of the engineer, one of the reasons being is because I believe it’s a very competitive pay.  It was at $106,000 (after the 2018 merit increase); I think that was a fair salary for what he did, even above fair. John’s a good guy, smart guy, does a lot for the county, but when we start looking at pay increases, I try to take into consideration the amount of money that our lower paid pay scales are making.

“And, you know, you look at that. We just increased our minimum wage to $10.25.  Well, you know, our fast food places out here pay almost $10 or around $10 an hour to start out with, and we as a county, if we want to look at retention and recruiting employees, then we’ve got to start looking at how we base our salaries, and the lower paid people in the county’s something that really needs to be addressed.  And when Mr. Lang came in and asked for a pay raise, I was against it; and the other two (Chairman Kenneth Walker and Commissioner Kerry Watson), basically just to sum it up, voted for it. And I don’t think it was a fair increase.”

Rock the South parking and traffic flow

Darrell Skipper of Skipper Consulting updated the commission on its parking and traffic flow study for Rock the South.  He showed maps of five proposed parking areas around the site capable of holding up to 7,642 vehicles, with an additional parking area just west of the event venue for RVs and campers.  

Visitors in most of the parking areas will be able to access the venue via pedestrian trails set up for the event, preventing them from having to walk along the somewhat narrow roads leading to the venue.  One parking area will be located east of Interstate 65, requiring pedestrian traffic to move west along Swafford Road to reach the venue; according to Skipper, that portion of the road from Logan Avenue to County Road 469 will be closed to all vehicles except emergency responders, and the parking area will only be accessible by car from the east side.

Skipper also showed charts of a study of traffic flow around the site, and proposed a plan for police and lighting locations, temporary road closures at particular times, and temporary conversion of certain routes to one-way flow during high traffic times of the event.  The plan also included a combination of signage and barricades intended to keep event traffic out of the area immediately around the Deer Trace subdivision.

Skipper concluded by noting that road conditions will be surveyed both before and after the event to determine the effect of the event on the roads.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 12, 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

March 11

• harassing communications; person; 4th Ave. SE
• third-degree domestic violence; person; Veigl Circle SW
• third-degree domestic violence; Cullman Housing Authority; Veigl Circle SW; damaged door; $200
• fourth-degree theft of property; Verizon Wireless; Hwy. 157; general merchandise; $440

Arrests

March 11

Ciara D. Gilland, 26

• FTA- third-degree criminal trespassing (2 counts)
• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- public intoxication

Corey D. Thomason, 28

• violation of protection order

Nathaniel J. Cook, 24

• FTA- running a stop sign

Missy L. Knight, 28

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

Colony Councilman Sam Ashford takes visitors on a tour of the town’s newly-completed community storm shelter Tuesday evening. (W.C. Mann for The Cullman Tribune)

COLONY, Ala. - It was a light agenda for the Colony Town Council meeting Tuesday evening, but it just gave the council the opportunity to share more good news.

Councilman Curtis Johnson reported that the town’s community storm shelter recently passed the final fire marshal’s inspection, clearing the facility for use during bad weather.  The shelter, located behind town hall, can hold more than 80 people and has restrooms and a generator for independent power. Johnson reported that the town is still working on completing the installation of the generator at the Educational Complex.

Councilwoman Ethel Alexander reported that Colony representatives will be seeking certification to participate in the federal summer feeding program after the conclusion of Colony’s summer camp-style youth enrichment program in early June. 

She also told the council that the enrichment program has received an $800 grant, thanks to Cullman’s Benedictine Sisters.  Older participants will take part in a high-tech, hands-on workshop, using desktop computers to run a digital cutting machine, 3-D printer, swing-away heat press and laser engraver.  Younger participants will learn about Colony’s history in a program that will include walking tours, a hay ride and a picnic in Vivian B. Allen Park.

Alexander also shared that, as part of its contribution to Alabama’s Bicentennial celebration, on March 30 the town will unveil a five-panel mural displaying various aspects of the history and heritage of the Colony community.  That will be followed on April 12 by a stop in the town by members of the Birmingham African American Genealogical Group, which will be in Cullman County to visit the genealogy department at Wallace State Community College’s library.

Colony’s Town Council meets at Colony Town Hall at 6 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, with work sessions at 5:30.  The public is invited to attend.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

HANCEVILLE, Ala.– Wallace State’s Career Services is hosting a Job Fair on Thursday, March 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Peinhardt Conference Center inside the Center for Science and Nursing.

Job Fair exhibitors include health services corporations, multiple law enforcement agencies and four-year universities, among others. 

Jamie Blackmon, career services coordinator, said many law enforcement agencies are interested in hiring immediately for a variety of roles within their departments.

“We’re excited about the broad range of exhibitors we have lined up and hope it’s beneficial to those interested,” Blackmon said.

Health Services corporations scheduled to be on campus are Marshall Medical Center, Huntsville Hospital, Dental Referral Service, LLC, Gadsden Regional Medical Center, Decatur Morgan Hospital, Barfield Health Care, Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center, DCH Health System, Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Gadsden, Careplus, St. Vincent’s/Ascension, Magnolia Ridge/Genesis Health Care, Brookwood Baptist Health, Children’s of Alabama, Cullman Regional Hospital and Athens-Limestone Hospital.

Law Enforcement agencies scheduled to be on hand include the Oneonta Police Department, Madison County Jail, Montgomery Police Department, Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Cullman Police, Alabama Department of Corrections, Hartselle Police Department, Birmingham Police Department, Cullman County Sheriff’s Office and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.

Representatives from the following are also scheduled to be at Wallace State: Auburn University, UAB Temporary Services, UAH’s College of Nursing, U.S. Space & Rocket Center and the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

For more information about the Job Fair, contact Jamie Blackmon at 256-352-8461 or email jamie.blackmon@wallacestate.edu.

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

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Alabama, met with constituents during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s biennial Washington Legislative Conference in the nation’s capital March 5-7.  During breakfast meetings, farmers and their congressman discussed issues of local and national relevance. Aderholt is pictured with Cullman County Farmers Federation President Ben Haynes and Jeremy Calvert.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Nearly 150 farmers met with elected officials and agency representatives to discuss trade, the farm bill and disaster relief during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s biennial Washington Legislative Conference March 5-7.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the conference is valuable to members as well as congressional and agency leaders.

“This was a great trip, with some of the best meetings we’ve ever had in Washington,” Parnell said. “It’s important for our leaders in Washington to put a face with who they represent and work for, and it’s important for our members to have direct access with decision and policy makers.”

Winston County Farmers Federation President Darrell Lee agreed.

“This was our first trip to D.C.,” said Lee, who was accompanied by wife Linda. “It was kind of overwhelming in some ways when you come from a little town like Addison, Alabama, but the access we had was amazing. We met with Congressmen (Robert) Aderholt  and staff from several agencies and other congressional members. In addition to sharing our needs and concerns, it also allowed us to encourage them and show appreciation for the job they do representing us.”

U.S. Rep. Glenn “G.T.” Thompson, R-Pennsylvania, spoke about the importance of workforce development with the 150 Alabama farmers. He was appointed to the House Committee on Education & Workforce in 2008 and is serving his fourth term as co-chairman of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. He introduced the Career and Technical Education for the 21st century Act that passed the House and Senate unanimously and was signed into law by President Trump last year.

Other briefings focused on food and agriculture policy, trade and regulatory relief for farmers and ranchers. Breakout sessions included small group meetings with Congressional members and agency professionals to discuss agricultural disaster relief, farm labor, feral swine control and crop insurance.

Federation State Board members met with Ambassador Gregg Doud, chief agricultural negotiator in the office of the U.S. Trade Representative. Dialogues included the United States – Mexico – Canada agreement, which Doud said will create more balanced, reciprocal trade once it’s finalized.

Farmers also visited the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency where they heard Administrator Andrew Wheeler speak on the new Clean Water Rule, crop protection product registration and continued efforts by the agency to engage the agricultural community.

“You are welcome here,” Wheeler told the Alabama group. “Let us know what your problems are. We want to hear from you, and we’re here to help you. Thank you for not being afraid to come see us at EPA.”

The Federation hosted a barbecue reception for congressmen, staffers and agency officials March 6, allowing members to interact with many of those who help develop and implement farm policy.

Greg Ibach, USDA’s under secretary for marketing and regulatory programs, addressed farmers at the reception as did several members of Alabama’s congressional delegation.

While in Washington, AFF members attended a special ceremony honoring U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, March 7. Shelby received the American Farm Bureau’s coveted Golden Plow Award, which recognizes members of Congress who exemplify agricultural leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies. It is the highest award given by AFBF.

Earlier that day, each of Alabama’s seven U.S. Representatives attended breakfast meetings with their constituents to discuss issues of local and national relevance.

Other highlights of the conference included a welcome dinner cruise along the Potomac River and a moonlight monument tour.

CULLMAN, Ala.– Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 13, 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

March 10

• theft of property, second-degree criminal mischief; person; 2nd Ave. NW; damage to ’99 Mitsubishi, misc. items

March 12

• first-degree theft of property; person; Main Ave. SW; AC units; $12,000
• second-degree criminal mischief; person; 2nd Ave. SW; damage to ’15 GMC; $1,500
• fourth-degree theft of property; Hobby Lobby; Town Square SW; misc.; $230
• fourth-degree theft of property; Hobby Lobby; Town Square SW; misc.; $248
• first-degree theft of property; U-Haul; 2nd Ave. SW; ’13 Ford E450; $55,000

Arrests

Alley, Lindsey E., 32

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Speakman, Tyler L., 24

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• attempting to elude

Stacy, Johnny D., 54

• public intoxication
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Wingo, Linda F., 46

• second-degree theft of property
• fourth-degree theft of property

Teague, Tanya M., 49

• third-degree theft of property
• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Cardwell, Candice S., 37

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• third-degree promoting prison contraband

Runyon, Jeremy A., 31

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• illegal possession of prescription drugs
• possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- public intoxication

Bailey, Ashley C., 33

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• illegal possession of prescription drugs
• possession of drug paraphernalia

McKenzie, Cameron B., 24

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance
• illegal possession of prescription drugs
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Walmsley, Cody J., 19

• obstructing government operations

attempting to elude

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

Woody, Antonia M. Jr., 19

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

Clockwise, from top left: Christopher Lee Carter, Dustin Michael Edward Jenkins, Frank Scott Lang, Kara Beth Griffin and Kimberly Roshell (Cullman County Sheriff’s Office)

CULLMAN, Ala. - Five people were arrested in Vinemont Wednesday after a traffic stop resulted in the discovery of approximately 24 grams of methamphetamine, 28 grams of marijuana, prescription pills, suboxone strips, syringes and other drug paraphernalia, according to the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).

CCSO deputies made the traffic stop on U.S. Highway 31 North and found the drugs and other items after conducting a search of the vehicle.

Charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, illegal possession of prescription drugs, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia were: Christopher Lee Carter, 51, of Decatur; Dustin Michael Edward Jenkins, 29, of Hartselle; Frank Scott Lang, 47, of Hartselle; Kara Beth Griffin, 23, of Trinity; and Kimberly Roshell Lambert, 29, of Hartselle.  

“I would like to commend the deputies who made these arrests for the outstanding job they did in getting these drug dealers off our streets.  This is another example of our deputies being proactive by seeing a suspicious vehicle that did not belong in the area and conducting a traffic stop,” said Sheriff Matt Gentry. “This is a lot of meth, marijuana, pills, etc. that we seized today that was not able to be sold to our citizens here in Cullman County.”

All suspects are currently in the Cullman County Detention Center, each on a $27,800 bond.   

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Allan Brent Harbison, 65 of Arley, Alabama entered into rest on March 11, 2019 at Princeton Medical Center in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by his loved ones.

Mr. Harbison was born on May 9, 1953 in Jasper, Alabama. He graduated from Meek High School in 1971 and attended Meek Baptist Church for many years. Allan was a hard-working, caring man and worked hard behind the scenes to take care of his community. He loved his family and would do anything for them. He was known by many friends and family as "Al."

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Meek Baptist Church in Arley, Alabama where services will be held at 6 p.m. Ron Wooten, Rodney Hardy and Brother Brandon Harbison will officiate.

Allan is survived by his wife of 39 years, Ann Harbison; son, Justin Harbison and his wife Tiffany; daughter, Brittany Ferguson and her husband Tyler; parents, Brent and Carolyn Harbison; brother, Phillip Harbison; sister, Michelle (Bruce) Netherton; and a host of nephews, cousins, friends, and family. He was known as "Pops" to his two grandchildren, Peyton and Parker.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Columbus "Lum" Harbison, and Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Wadsworth.

Funeral services for Mr. Doug Johnston, 81, of Fairview will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Concord Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery with Pastor Jack Holbrooks officiating,

Doug was born on April 28, 1931 to the late Samuel Howard Johnston and Beulah White Johnston and passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at Cullman Regional Medical Center.

He was a longtime member and deacon of Concord Baptist Church, a veteran of the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Honor Guard; he was retired with 30 years of service at Phillip Morris and a square dancer over 30 years and a member of many different clubs.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one sister Gaynell Soldatt and a granddaughter, Kisha Thompson.

Survivors include his Wife of 64 years - Jane Johnston; three sons - Johnny "Rip" (Tammie) Johnston, Jerry Wayne Johnston and Joel (Shannon) Johnston; six grandchildren - Kevin Thompson, Matthew Johnston, Melanie Johnston, Lindsey Lee Perry, Jared Johnston and Genevieve Johnston; one great-granddaughter - Alaia Johnston.

The family will receive friends for visitation at the church on Saturday, March 16, 2019 from noon until the service time at 2 p.m.