HANCEVILLE - Wallace State’s basketball teams completed a sweep over conference foe Lawson State at Tom Drake Coliseum on Thursday night.

The Wallace State Lady Lions opened the doubleheader with their first conference win of season, rolling past the Lady Cougars 60-40.

Wallace State’s men followed with a 69-65 triumph, sending the Lions to an 11th win in their last 13 games.

Sophomore forward Derylton Hill led three Wallace State men in double figures as the Lions won their ninth consecutive game at home. Kylen Butler added 11 points for the Lions and Jaylen McCoy contributed 10 points off the bench.

Wallace State improved to 18-4 overall and 4-1 in Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) action. 

“We have to understand we are the hunted and we’ve also got to make sure we are hungry. When we get a big lead, we tend to become complacent. We’ve got to find that killer instinct,” said Wallace State coach John Meeks, who’s led the Lions to a pair of conference titles. “Lawson State is an ultra-talented team, so I’m proud we can mark off another conference win. We stepped up and made enough plays down the stretch to pull it out.”

Wallace State led 16-13 with 10:37 remaining in the first half before Hill seized control in the paint. The transfer from Potomac State scored seven consecutive points over the next three minutes, capping the surge with a 3-point play with 9:29 left before intermission.

Butler added a trey for Wallace State a minute later for a 26-13 lead, and Marcus Barham’s 3-pointer with3:42 to go pushed the Lions’ cushion to 31-16 – their biggest lead of the game. 

Wallace State led 35-22 at the break.

The Lions controlled a 42-33 lead less than five minutes into the second half. Lawson State answered with a 9-0 run, tying the game at 42-42 with 12 minutes to go.

Hill stepped up again for the Lions, breaking the tie with a layup for a 44-42 advantage. Wallace State, which was in the bonus at the 10:19 mark, led the rest of the way, constructing as much as an eight-point margin. 

Lawson State (14-7, 2-4 ACCC) trimmed its deficit down to two points with a little more than four minutes remaining, but Wallace State’s Darren Williams nailed a 3-pointer and added a reverse layup for a 61-54 lead with 3:14 left.

Barham scored all nine of his points in the first half for Wallace State and Xavier Mills added six points.

Lawson State had four players score in double figures. Devin Dorsett had 16 points, Arthur Johnson scored 12 and Rodney Simeon and Dontae Coleman added 11 points apiece.

Women’s basketball

Wallace State 60, Lawson State 40

Wallace State snapped a three-game conference losing streak with an impressive outing Thursday night.

The Lady Lions, who had 10 players crack the scoring column, yielded only four points in the opening quarter and a season-best 40 points.

Hannah Vest, the lone sophomore on the team, and Alex Lowery each scored 10 points for Wallace State, Morgan Higgins had nine and Sarah Reid added a career-high eight points off the bench in a confidence-booster for the Lady Lions (9-14, 1-3 ACCC).

“You are playing good defense if you only give up 40 points. Lawson State missed some shots, but our defense had a lot to do with it. It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we got it done,” said Wallace State coach Ron Burdette, the 2015 ACCC Coach of the Year. “We are also starting to get into a rhythm where different people are contributing different nights. That’s what you need to be successful. It was Sarah Reid’s turn in this one.”

Reid, a 6-foot-1 forward from Georgia, entered the game averaging 1.6 points per game.

Wallace State led 14-4 after the first quarter and 35-14 at halftime.

The Lady Lions led by double digits throughout the entire second half. With two minutes to go in the third quarter, a Kelsey Houston 3-pointer gave Wallace State a 46-26 advantage and the Lady Lions led 46-30 after three.

Wallace State earned as much as a 23-point cushion in the fourth quarter.

Houston, Jasmine Hollis and Velencia Johnson scored five points apiece for Wallace State.

Aja Cumbie’s 13 points led Lawson State (10-9, 0-5 ACCC).

Both Wallace State teams will host Snead State on Sunday, beginning with the women’s game at 2 p.m.

Wallace State will recognize the 1990-91 women’s basketball team at halftime of the women’s game and induct its second Sports Hall of Fame class in between the women’s and men’s games.

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit http://athletics.wallacestate.edu.

CULLMAN - Southern rock legends 38 Special, country icon Joe Diffie and new star Kane Brown join the Rock the South 2016 lineup. RTS promises “another huge announcement” next week as event tickets go on sale next Thursday with prices for the “workin’ people.”

Rock the South founder Shane Quick said,” Who isn’t going to be singing along with Joe Diffie singing “Pickup Man?” Joe Diffie has so many hits and I can’t wait to sing them all in Cullman. 38 Special is the definition of Southern Rock and are perfect for Rock the South. Kane Brown has exploded onto the scene with his music. He is reinventing the way music gets to the fans and we respect that. Glad we could snag him for Rock the South. Stay tuned next week as we aren’t done announcing bands!”

Rock the South continues to be less than half the price of any other country music festival in the Southeast. For 24 hours starting Feb. 4 at 10 a.m., fans can buy tickets at last year’s prices. At 10 a.m. on Feb. 5, Early Bird Pricing will begin and last until March 31.

All information will be available at http://rockthesouth.com/ and https://www.facebook.com/rockthesouth.

About Joe Diffie

With the release of Jason Aldean’s hit “1994” earlier this year that name-checked many of Joe

Diffie’s twelve No. 1 hits, the legendary singer found himself squarely back in the hearts and minds of country fans. The multi-platinum-selling artist who dominated the charts during a hot streak in the ‘90s may have been absent from the radio charts for the past few years, but Joe-Joe-Joe Diffie has never slowed down – writing, touring and recording myriad of projects including his critically acclaimed 2010 bluegrass album “Homecoming,” and his recent “Roots and Boots” acoustic tour and collaborative CD “All in The Same Boat,” with fellow hit makers Sammy Kershaw and Aaron Tippin. And now he’s back at it again, riding shotgun with hick-hop sensations the Jawga Boyz on a brand new single, “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun,” which was recently released to country radio.

About 38 Special

After more than three decades together, 38 SPECIAL continue to bring their signature blast of Southern Rock to over 100 cities a year. And at each and every show, thousands of audience members are amazed by the explosive power of the band's performance. Their many Gold and Platinum album awards stand in testament to the endurance of a legendary powerhouse.

With sales in excess of 20 million, most associate the band with their arena-rock pop smashes, “Hold On Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Caught Up in You,” “Fantasy Girl,” “If I’d Been the One,” “Back Where You Belong,” “Chain Lightnin’,” “Second Chance,” and more – Timeless hits that remain a staple on the radio immediately recognizable from the first opening chord, and paving the way to their present-day touring regimen.

About Kane Brown

Kane Brown is an American country music singer and songwriter who first came to the attention of the public through social media. He released his first EP, “Closer,” in June 2015. A new single "Used to Love You Sober" was released in October 2015. A second song, "Last Minute Late Night," was released on Nov.4, 2015, and debuted on Country Digital Songs at No. 9, selling 26,000 copies. Another, "I Love That I Hate You," followed three weeks later on Nov. 30.

MOBILE– Thursday was the last day of practice for the 2016 Reese's Senior Bowl and the intensity of the players showed up and down the field.

The players were hitting harder and running faster, looking to impress one last time before the walkthrough Friday and the game Saturday.

"Practice is over," said former Alabama defense back Cyrus Jones when asked what he had gotten out of practice this week, "but I need to show I am physical and a playmaker."

We he did just that in an intense practice with his squad Thursday. He was very physical on the outside endzone fade and showed quick footwork as he broke on the ball.

Another Jones had a great practice, Jonathan Jones from Auburn. He looked just as good as his former rival turned teammate.

Stay tuned to CullmanSense on all social media platforms for up to the minute updates as we continue to bring you coverage live from the 2016 Reese's Senior Bowl.

Funeral Services for Charles William “Chuck” Bailey, age 78 of Falkville, will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Hopewell Church of God in Hanceville. Burial will follow at Bowman’s Chapel Cemetery, with Rev. Paul Rivers officiating. He will lie-in-state at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Cullman Funeral Home directing.

Mr. Bailey was born on July 28, 1937 to the late Charles Olen Bailey & U.V. Marks Bailey, he passed away at his home on Thursday, January 28, 2016. He was a loving husband and father. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, 2 – brothers and a granddaughter, Stephanie Gonzelez. The family wishes to thank Gentivia Hospice for all of their kindness and a special thanks to his nurse, Lisa Miller Wilhite. “You will be missed Papa”

Survivors include his Wife of 14 years – Becky Bailey; 6 – Daughters – June (Snyder) Lee, Jaimie Bryant, Jennifer Smith, Wanda (Danny) Rodriques, Sandra (Johnny) Golich, Donna Scovone; 4 – Sons – Jeremy (Deanna) Bryant, Johnathon (Heather) Bryant, Charles A. (Rose) Bailey, Virgil Bailey; Brother – James Bailey; 18 – Grandchildren – Sara Bailey, Steven Golich, Julie Golich, Billy Scovone, Dominic Scovone, Nathaniel Scovone, Jacqueline Simmons, Joshua Solley, Joseph Pesnell, Jesse Jett, Maddison Spang, Jessica Kirby, Justin Jett, Jeremiah Jett, Austin Bryant, Chandler Bryant, Craig Gonzelez, Jordan Giddens; 24 – Great-Grandchildren; and a Host of Nieces & Nephews and Longtime friends; and a loving Dog – Gaylord.

GOOD HOPE– Senior night brought out a great performance for Kaylee Maddox in her last appearance at D.E. Ryan Gymnasium on the Good Hope campus.

Maddox would produce 18 points, 12 rebounds, six blocks and three assists to key the Lady Raiders in a 53-22 rout of Winston County.

Maddox was joined by the other senior on the squad, Caitlin Johnson, in the starting lineup. Maddox had all of the offense for Good Hope in the first period with a three-pointer, a field goal and a free throw to put them on top 6-4.

After Winston County tied the score at 6-6 to start the second, the Lady Raiders had their regular starters on the floor with Maddox and would finish the quarter on an 18-7 run.

Miriam Oldacre hit back-to-back baskets to make it 10-2; center Kate Kent scored at the 6:00 mark and it was 12-6. Winston County kept it close, trailing 18-12 before Maddox landed her second trey of the night, this one with 1:58 left in the half and Good Hope was in front 21-12.

The half ended on a three by Micah Oldacre and the Lady Raiders had the momentum they needed with a 24-13 cushion.

Two minutes into the third, point guard Kelly Pickett had scored on three straight possessions and the Lady Raiders were leading 32-15. The period came to a close with a 37-19 advantage.

Johnson made her impact in the fourth period in her final home game as a senior. She collected three baskets in a 16-3 run in the period while Maddox got her last field goal with 1:08 to play and the score at that time stood at 49-22.

Maddox blocked her sixth shot in the closing seconds, gathered her 12th rebound and handed her third assist, this one going to Pickett, with 10 seconds left to close out the scoring as Good Hope improved to 14-12 and wiped out a tough 48-44 setback in the Cullman County championship game two nights earlier to Cold Springs.

Supporting the 18 from Maddox was Pickett with 10, Johnson and Miriam Oldacre six, Micah Oldacre five and Sadie Abbott and Kate Kent four each.

Boys

Good Hope 55, Winston County 21

Victory was enjoyed for the Raiders for the first time in a month, ending a seven-game losing streak.

The Raiders were getting good looks from three-point range and responded with seven by the time the half ended. They had made four in the first to help team soar to an 18-3 lead and were ahead at the half by the score of 34-14.

Good Hope led 50-21 going into the final period with coach Chris Harris clearing the bench as 14 Raiders took part in this game with 11 getting into the scoring column.

Matt Cofer nailed four treys and led the Raiders to their seventh victory with 15 points, Kallen Sharpton tossed in 10, Blake Lyle delivered eight and Mason Moniz had seven.

Noah Tillman is the lone senior for the Raiders. He started and accounted for a basket off a steal late in the third quarter that gave Good Hope a 50-17 advantage, its largest at that time.

The Raiders end the regular season next week at Holly Pond on Monday, play at Hanceville next Friday then head to Locust Fork the following week for the 4A, Area 10 Tournament.

MOBILE - Another Senior Bowl Fanfest is in the books and it looks to be one of the biggest yet. Droves of fans flocked to the Arthur R. Outlaw Convention Center to playgames, eat free Reese's cups and stand in line for a chance to meet their favorite players.

As usual, the line for Alabama players ran the length of the convention center, through the lobby, up the stairs and nearly to the patio outside. The line for Dak Prescott was not quite that long but still impressive, as it stretched nearly to the outside of the hall.

Players were genuinely happy to meet their fans and sign memorabilia and Senior Bowl cards. All in all, it was another huge success for the fans and players alike.

On behalf of CullmanSense, I want to thank the Reese's Senior Bowl for inviting us down for another year. And a special thank you to Augusta's Sports Grill in Cullman for sponsoring our coverage of Senior Bowl Week!

The game starts at 1:30 p.m. today. Find out more here: http://www.seniorbowl.com/game.php.

CULLMAN - Through a local grant from the Heritage Archery Club, a Cullman chapter of the Bowhunters of Alabama, National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) archery equipment was awarded to four area schools. This was a result of the local club working together with the city and state in support and promotion of the Alabama Department of Conservation & Natural Resources’ Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division’s community archery strategy.

West Point School, Fairview High School, East Elementary School and Welti Elementary School all applied for the grant and received the equipment, purchased with private funds. Heritage Archery Club offered $5,000 in grant funds to area schools and partnered with the WFF Division and Cullman City Parks and Recreation for distribution and promotion of the continued archery lifestyle here in Cullman and all of Cullman County.

Equipment including Genesis bows, Easton arrows, Morrell targets and New Archery arrow rests was distributed to the schools.

For more information, contact Regional Hunter Education Coordinator for WFF Division, Stuart R. Goldsby at 256-737-8732 or visit WFF on Facebook at http://qrne.ws/wff. The local WFF Division office is located at 1000 23rd St. SW in Cullman.

Not pictured: Welti Elementary- Kristi Hooper, WE Archery Coach

CULLMAN - It was Senior Night at Cullman High School Saturday, and Seth Swalve didn’t disappoint a good crowd on hand to see the latest in the rivalry between the Bearcats and the Holly Pond Broncos.

Swalve came out with an aggressive offensive attack that would tally 36 points for the entire evening and Cullman avoided three straight losses the final week of January, downing the Broncos 71-58.

The Bearcats were sluggish earlier in the week, suffering a pair of 6A, Area 15 losses to Austin and Decatur that knocked them out of regular season title contention.

With Holly Pond in town for a Saturday showdown, the Bearcats executed the game plan to perfection as Swalve was the leader of the group.

The senior put 14 on the scoreboard in the first period, including the go-ahead field goal with less than a minute to go in the stanza as Cullman was up 21-16 after the first.

Free throws by Swalve with 17 seconds to go in the half allowed the Bearcats to enjoy their largest spread at that point in the game, getting ahead of the Broncos by a margin of 33-24.

Swalve had four points in the third with Gage Goodwin getting his shots to fall after not scoring in the first half. Goodwin tallied 11 in the period and Cullman was on top 54-40 with a quarter left to be played.

Holly Pond was carried in the fourth by Matt Cahoon, who would score seven with a three that narrowed the deficit to 61-56 and still 1:50 left on the clock.

Then it was time for Swalve to regain his offensive form. A three-point play pushed the margin to 64-56 at the 1:37 mark and with less than a minute to play, he drove down the middle of the defense for a layup and the score was now 66-55.

Swalve concluded his performance by knocking down two from the line with 15 seconds left and the Bearcats had broken a tough week on the floor and also extended their win streak against the Broncos to three in a row on the season.

Goodwin’s 11 was next in the Cullman scoring. Fletcher Reeling tossed in seven while Nic Handley had six. Cullman is now 17-7 on the season.

Cahoon collected 24 for the Broncos who fell to 18-6. Drew Jones had 12 and Caleb Jones scored 11.

Both teams moved games from Tuesday night to Monday night with severe weather expected on Tuesday. Cullman will play host to Arab on Feb. 1, while Holly Pond gets Good Hope to visit Felton Easterwood Gym the same night.

Holly Pond 62, Cullman 46 (Girls)

Victory was captured by the Lady Broncos in controlling the final five and a half minutes of the game. A 43-41 lead at that time became a 16-point victory on the road for Holly Pond by finishing the contest with a 19-5 advantage.

Ruth Horton, who would lead Holly Pond with 22 points, landed a three with 4:24 to go in extending the lead to 50-43. A minute and a half later, Melissa Clingman drove inside and the visitors were up 54-43, getting control of this game after Cullman gave them a hard challenge.

Clingman would deliver 15 to the total for the Lady Broncos who have won two in a row and are 17-9 with a week left in the regular season.

Taylor Tankersley tossed in seven with Molly Gambrill and Haley Higginbotham netting six apiece.

Cullman was led by seniors Christina Skinner with 14 and Taiya Ponder with 13 points. Anna Evans came on strong with seven of her nine during the fourth quarter.

MOBILE - The North squad took the field first, with Carson Wentz at the helm. He completed his first pass, but Shaun Davis immediately blew up the play after three yards and the game was underway.  After two straight rushes from Kenneth Dixon, the North was forced to punt.

The South took the field for the first time with 12:34 in the first, under the direction of Jake Coker. He quickly stuck the ball in the gut of Alabama teammate Kenyan Drake for six quick yards to get the South roster off on the right foot. The next play pushed the South back 10 yards, but on second and 20, Coker and Drake hooked up for an 11-yard pass play. The third down pass was incomplete and the South was forced to punt.

Wentz looked good on the North’s second possession, throwing the ball efficiently and picking up a quick first down, but two consecutive dropped passes forced another North punt and put the ball back in the hands of the 2016 National Championship-winning quarterback, Jake Coker.

Faced with a third and eight, Coker picked up the first down with an eight-yard scramble, the first time the chains moved for the South on the day. Two plays later, DeAndre Washington took a pitch from Coker and rumbled 11 yards for another first down. Two plays after, Arron Green sprinted 25 yards to the right front corner of the end zone for the touchdown. The South ran eight plays for 56 yards for the game’s first score. Ross Martin nailed the PAT to put the South on top 7-0 with nine minutes left to play in the first.

The North was again forced to punt on their third possession thanks in part to a third down pass that was broken up by Alabama’s Cyrus Jones. He then received the punt and set the South up first and 10 at the 44 yard line. However, the South was only able to move the ball two yards before they were forced to punt the ball back to the North. Braxton Miller took the punt and returned it two yards to the 20 and that is where the North would set up shop for their fourth possession.

To no one’s surprise, another Alabama player came up big in defense; this time it was Jarron Reed. He hit Wentz after a three-yard scramble that left the North with a third and long that they didn’t convert. The North elected to go for it on fourth and three, but Wentz’s pass to Miller was incomplete, turning the ball over on downs at their own 27.

Coker completed the first down for five yards, but the second play saw Coker on his back via a sack by Vernon Butler. He fumbled the ball, but it was recovered by teammate Evan Boehm. This put the South in a hole, but they came away with points as BYU’s Martin split the uprights on a 48-yard field goal to give the South the 10-0 advantage with 20 seconds left to play in the first.

Wentz got it going on the North’s fifth possession, connecting with tight end Nick Vannett for 29 yards. He was sacked on the next play, fumbling the football, but it was recovered by his teammates to keep possession as the time expired in the first, but, as per Senior Bowl rules, the possession changes after each quarter. After one, the South led 10-0.

Dak Prescott started the second quarter for the South and went right to work, marching the South 25 yards down the field in less than 1:30, all the way to midfield, but the drive stalled and the South was forced to punt.

Kevin Hogan got things going for the North in the second. He led his squad on their first sustained drive of the game, thanks in part to a 26-yard strike to the big target Vannett. After converting on a fourth and one, he was sacked for the second time on the drive, this time losing nine. This stalled the drive and forced a 36-yard field goal attempt by Ka’imi Fairbairn. He put it through the uprights and the North was on the board but trailed 10-3 with 2:56 left in the half.

Prescott showed off his legs in the early stages of the South’s sixth drive, setting up a third and one thanks to a seven-yard scamper. DeAndre Washington picked up the first and more with a burst of speed to the left side of the line to the tune of 15 yards. On the next play, Prescott hit Jay Lee for 19 down to the South 37. He hit him again on the very next play for 11. He went to him for the third time in a row but it fell incomplete. He hit Roberts for 14 on the next play to set up first and 10 from the 12. He kept the ball on the next play for seven yards setting up third and three from the seven. He then hit Paul McRoberts for a five-yard touchdown. Martin hit the PAT to put the South up 17-3 with 22 seconds left in the half. Prescott led the South 80 yards on 10 plays culminating in a five-yard TD pass. This effectively ended the half with the South on top 17-3.

After a punt from the North to open the second half, Brandon Allen led the South methodically down the field to the 22. Martin then booted the 40-yard field goal to put the South up 20-3 with 9:26 left to play.

Cody Kessler got his shot to shine in the second half and he made the most of it. He led the North down into the red zone and looked to cross the goal line to get the North back in the game. On fourth and five, the North squad elected to go for it and Kessler hit Ed Eagen for eight yards to set up first and goal from the South’s four yard line. Three plays later, Kessler kept it himself for a one yard QB keeper for the North’s first touchdown on the day. The PAT from Fairbairn was good and the North closed the gap to 20-10 with 1:53 left in the third.

The North caught somewhat of a break in the closing seconds of the third quarter when KJ Dillon blocked a 33-yard field goal attempt by Martin. Joe Schobert scooped up the ball at the South 33 and looked as if he was going to score, but Jerrell Adams caught him from behind after 73 yards, bringing him down five yards from the goal line with six seconds left on the clock. The North failed to score before time ran out, and per Senior Bowl rules, the two teams flipped the end of the field and possessions.

The South started their drive from their own 25 with Jacoby Brissett under center. He started the drive by completing back-to-back passes, a five-yard gainer to Charone Peake and a 25-yard strike to Adams. From here, the South squad methodically moved the ball down the field, down to the North three yard line. Three straight rushes by Alabama’s Kenyan Drake led to a touchdown, putting the South up by 17 and effectively ending the game. Jeff Driskell of the North facilitated the last points of the game as he hit Aaron Burtbridge with a 29-yard TD pass as time expired to close the gap on the scoreboard.

The winner of the 2016 Reese’s Senior Bowl was the South squad by the final score of 27-16. Dak Prescott of Mississippi State won the Most Outstanding Player Award by going 7-10 with 69 yards and a touchdown. He also carried the ball three times for 14 yards. The South’s MVP was Shawn Oakman of Baylor with two big sacks for a total loss of 13 yards. The North MVP was Darian Thompson of Boise State who had five total tackles and two broken up pass attempts.

CULLMAN - In recognition of National Heart Month, Cullman Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is hosting a FREE Heart Disease Community Screening on Thursday, Feb. 4, by appointment only.

Consider these heart attack risk factors:

• Are you over the age of 50?
• Do you have high cholesterol?
• Does heart disease run in your family?

If so, call to schedule your free appointment.

The screening will include six free tests:

• Lipid Panel/Glucose
• Body Mass Index
• EKG (Electrocardiogram)
• Blood Pressure
• ABI Screening 
• Bone Density

To schedule an appointment, call 256-735-5600.

For more information and a complete list of upcoming events at CRMC, visit www.crmchospital.com.

Image credit: CRMC

The Resurrection Service for Betty Jane Duke Screws will be held Sunday, January 31, 2016 at Moss Funeral Home Chapel in Cullman Alabama at 3 p.m. with Rev. Andy Chambers, Rev. Joy Morgan and Dr. Steven A. Screws officiating. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until service time at 3 p.m. Interment will be in Cullman City Cemetery. Mrs. Screws was born April 1, 1929 and lived to be almost 87 years young.

She was a life-long resident of Cullman County. Betty grew up in a Christian home on a large farm in Holly Pond. Her calling in life was a ministry with children. Betty taught and cared for the children at Cullman First United Methodist Church and later had her own daycare program for children. She was known by children as Grandmom and MawMaw, teacher and friend. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting, swimming, reading, gardening, walking, antiques, cooking, family and friends. Her faith was in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Betty married the love of her life, Drennen Andrew Screws. She was preceded in death by her husband: Drennen, parents: Clarence Burns and Nellie Mae Cosper Duke, brothers: Thomas Howard Duke, John Porter (Ivona) Duke, James Dudley (Sherry) Duke, sisters: Mary Nell (Robert) Ellis, Mildred Frances (Robert) Vess, Magdelene (Darrell) Shults, Martha Ann Duke, Linda Gail Duke, brother-in-law: Carroll Duke.

Mrs. Screws is survived by: sons: Steven Andrew (Karen) Screws, Philip Allen (Donna) Screws, daughter: Lisa Jane (Richard) Chambers, grandchildren: Christopher Andrew (Carla) Screws, Joy Jeannette (Neale) Morgan, Tiffany (Russell) Mousser, Andy (Caitlin) Chambers, Colin Chambers, Alex Garner and Austin Screws, great grandchildren: Noah Andrew Morgan, Scarlett Whitehead, Hannah Kate Morgan, Lillian Mousser, Ella Claire Chambers, and Camry Ann Chambers, brother: Robert Burns (Linda) Duke, sister: Alice Faye Rogers and sister-in-law: Geneva Howard Duke.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Cullman Caring For Kids or Nurish One Child at Scottsboro First United Methodist Church: 1105 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, Alabama 35768.

Funeral Services for Marlene Brock Dean, age 92, of Cullman will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at First Baptist Church of Cullman, Dr. Rick Lance officiating. She will lie-in-state from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Interment will be at Cullman City Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 1, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home.

Mrs. Dean was born February 6, 1923 in Mt. Vernon, Alabama to parents Marion Oscar and Minnie Milner Brock. She passed away January 29, 2016.

Marlene grew up in Boaz and Albertville, AL. and attended Howard College in Birmingham as a nutrition major, where she met and fell in love with Austin Dean of Hanceville, AL. Her consideration that “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” rang true and they married during World War II, on November 11, 1943. Following the war, they lived in Boaz, AL, and Center, AL as owners of Dean-Stephen’s Clothing Store. After some time, they purchased Barnett Oil Company from Austin’s uncle, W. C. Barnett, and renamed it Dean Oil Company; serving gasoline to Cullman and surrounding counties for 43 years.

Marlene followed her talents in music, sports, and social groups through her later years and remained actively engaged in them up to and until her physical body would no longer allow. She was a member of Phi Mu Sorority. She was an avid golfer, winning Terri Pines Country Club Women’s championship in 1979 at age 56. Among other hobbies, she was a consummate chef, meticulous seamstress, and endearing pianist and singer.

Marlene was a member of First Baptist Church of Cullman for 57 years, and volunteered her time as a Sunday School worker for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Austin Dean; brothers, Leon Brock and G. T. Brock; and sisters, Opal Medlock, Nerine Elrod, and Anoise Cork.

Survivors include sons, Gary (Judy) Dean and John (Lisa) Dean; daughter, Jan (Robert) Smith; brother, Marion (Peggy) Brock, Boaz, AL; 13 grandchildren, Jeffrey Dean, Patrick (Jennifer) Dean, Cheri (Bobby) Bronson, Samuel (Victoria) Smith, Anna (Trevor) Floyd, Benjamin Smith, Derek (Koral) Dean, Abigail Smith, Mary Ellen Smith, Danielle Dean, Sarah Smith, Joy Smith, & Gloria Smith; and 8 great-grandchildren, Brandy Bronson, Jacob Dean, Chandler Nunn, Emma Kate Dean, Jackson Holland, Rae Hulsey, Caleb Floyd, & Maison Marie Dean.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the Myelodysplastic Society.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Danny Oneal Dye are incomplete at this time.

Moss-Service Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

HANCEVILLE - Wallace State’s basketball teams capped a memorable Sunday at Tom Drake Coliseum with a sweep of Snead State.

Playing in front of one of the largest crowds in recent Wallace State basketballhistory, the Lady Lions earned an impressive 77-67 victory in the opener, and the Wallace State men outlasted Snead State 59-57 in the second game, registering their 20th win of the season. 

In between victories, Wallace State inducted its second Sports Hall of Fame class in conjunction with the college’s 50th anniversary. The 2016 inductees are former women’s coach Larry Slater, former Wallace State golfer and PGA tour pro Brett Wetterich, former Wallace State golfer and current Florida State golf coach Trey Jones, former Wallace State softball player Cindy Mallard and contributor Johnny Thornton.

Additionally, Slater and members of the 1990-91 Wallace State women’s basketball team were recognized for earning the first conference championship in program history, and the college celebrated its annual homecoming.

“It felt like today really energized our players. We had a lot of former players here and a great crowd. I’m proud of the way we played,” said Wallace State women’s coach Ron Burdette, whose team has won two conference games in a row. “All in all, I thought it was our most complete effort of the season. We still have tons of work to do. I hope it’s a step in the right direction.”

Five Wallace State Lady Lions (10-14, 2-3 Alabama Community College Conference) finished with double figures. Freshman Kelsey Houston drained four 3-pointers and had a team-high 15 points, D’Andrea Smith scored a career-high 12 points, Janese Richardson finished with 11 and Alex Lowery and Hannah Vest each added 10 points.

Wallace State, which battled back from an early 9-3 deficit, led 18-15 after the first quarter. The Lady Lions extended their lead to 32-21 with 4:06 left in the first half, and a minute later, a nifty move by Lowery in the lane handed Wallace State a 34-21 advantage.

The Lady Lions maintained a 34-26 cushion at the break.

Wallace State pulled away considerably in the third quarter, outscoring the Lady Parsons 21-9. Houston closed the third quarter by nailing a trey, widening Wallace State’s lead to 55-35 heading into the final period.   

Wallace State built as much as a 21-point lead in the fourth.

Jasmine Hollis added seven points for Wallace State, which continues conference play at Gadsden State on Thursday.

“We are climbing the ladder up in the conference. It looked a little bleak a couple of weeks ago, but we all feel better now,” Burdette said.

For Snead State (16-9, 1-4 ACCC), Jasmine Richardson paced the way with a game-high 24 points.

Men’s basketball

Wallace State 59, Snead State 57

Kylen Butler poured in all 15 of his points in the second half, Immanuel King had 14 and Derylton Hill chipped in with 11 points for the Lions, who have won 12 of their last 14 games.

Wallace State, which overcame a nine-point deficit 12:40 to go, also hit the 20-win plateau with six conference games remaining.

With Wallace State (20-4, 5-1 ACCC) clinging to a 56-53 lead with 1:13 remaining in the game, Butler and King, both sophomores, helped the Lions secure their third home win in seven days.

King tipped in missed shot for a 58-53 edge with a little more than a minute to go. Butler, one of Wallace State’s top defenders, added a free throw with 1.1 seconds left and missed the second shot on purpose, making sure Snead State couldn’t put up a final heave before time expired.

Since Monday night, Wallace State has collected three gritty victories against Shelton State, Lawson State and the Parsons.

“We said early in the season we might have to win ugly some games and we did today. We’ve got to focus on the notion that we are one of the hunted teams, and we have a big ‘X’ on our back right now. Teams are going to get overhyped to play us. We have to play with the same passion, intensity and execution every game. We can’t afford letdowns,” said Wallace State men’s coach John Meeks.

Wallace State charged out to a 14-3 lead less than nine minutes into Sunday’s conference tilt. Hill capped the opening surge with a 3-point play with 11:52 to go in the first half.

With seven minutes left, Wallace State’s Jaylen McCoy hit a 3-pointer to push the Lions’ lead to 23-12.

Snead State (7-16, 1-5 ACCC) countered with a 15-6 run to close the first half, trimming Wallace State’s lead to 29-27 at intermission.

Snead State seized control early in the second half and led 42-34 with 12:40 remaining in the game.

Wallace State chipped away over the next six minutes, and a pair of Butler 3’s helped the Lions regain momentum and a 49-47 lead with 6:18 to go.

Butler handed the Lions a 54-48 advantage with 4:53 remaining after a steal and a subsequent breakaway layup.

“Kylen Butler made some big plays for us in the second half. He knows what it takes to win in this league,” Meeks said.

Xavier Mills scored six points for Wallace State and McCoy added five.

Ryan Dupree led Snead State with 11 points. Cortland Davis added 10. 

Wallace State closes its ACCC slate with five of its final six games on the road, including Thursday at Gadsden State.

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit http://athletics.wallacestate.edu/.

CULLMAN - On Wednesday, Jan. 27, East Elementary student Kaeden Dawson brought something very special to school - hundreds of colorful glass beads that were strung into multiple necklaces and hung around his neck. But the beads aren’t just any old beads; they are Beads of Courage, and Dawson earned every single one!

Dawson, a sixth-grader, continues his courageous fight against Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), a malicious disease he was diagnosed with in June 2014. His bravery and strength have been rewarded throughout his battle with little colorful beads; and he wears his beads with pride, as do all members of the Beads of Courage program.  

Beads of Courage is a resilience-based intervention designed to support and strengthen children and families who are coping with a serious illness. Through the program, children tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of courage that commemorate milestones they have achieved along their unique treatment paths.

When doctors first diagnosed Dawson with AML, his prognosis was grim at best. Instead of going to school with his friends, he has been fighting for the past year and a half, kicking his illness along the way with the attitude and goal of proving those doctors wrong. When he was finally able to return to school in January, he brought his necklaces with him, and plenty of stories to tell!

“The black beads signify each time I was stuck with a needle,” he began. “The white beads stand for each time I received chemotherapy. I only have one of these magenta-colored beads; that one is for emergencies; I had to have an ambulance ride for that one,” he grimaced. “I spent two weeks unconscious in the ICU.

“This one with the face on it stands for hair growth, and these are for physical therapy,” he said as he pointed to rainbow-colored beads. “The red beads are for every blood product I ever had,” he grinned. “I had over 136 blood products.

“These aqua ones here are for NG tubes and chest tubes,” he continued. “NG tubes are not fun; neither are chest tubes. The doctors told me it wouldn’t hurt when they took it out, but they lied to me,” he chuckled.

“Yellow beads are for every night I spent in the hospital, and the orange ones are for the line removal/replacement; I can show you each spot where I’ve had one,” he said as he pointed to each of his scars.

When people see Dawson’s beads and understand just exactly what each one represents, they are both impressed and saddened at the same time. But when Dawson looks down at his beads, he feels like a mighty warrior!

“Needles don’t scare me anymore,” he said triumphantly.

“Every one of those beads represents something this incredible kid has been through,” said Dawson’s teacher, Beth Collins. “He has come back to school and hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been just a delight to all of us.”

“Through it all, he has never lost his smile. When seeing his necklaces and hearing his journey, I am humbled,” said Principal David Wiggins.

Even though he’s back in school, Dawson still has battles yet to fight in his quest to conquer AML.

“I still have to go to the hospital every week to have infusions to kill my B-cells because they are still making antibodies and they aren’t supposed to be,” he explained. “Depending on how I react to the infusions, it could last another four to five weeks.”

In times of trouble, most people ask, ‘Why do bad things happen to good people?’ or, ‘Why do children have to get sick and suffer so?’ In Kaeden’s case, looking back, those answers are pretty clear; he is an inspiration to everyone he meets. He’s a hero who has looked his illness in the eye and is working every day to make it go away. Through his suffering he has learned to be brave, and he takes that bravery and offers it to others who are facing similar struggles. Simply stated, he tells them, “Keep a positive attitude, anything is possible.”

Funeral services for Robert E. Hines, 86 of Hanceville will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 11 a.m. in Hanceville Funeral Home Chapel, Bro. Larry Duke officiating. Interment will follow in Hopewell Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the funeral home Mr. Hines passed away at his residence on January 31, 2016.

Mr. Hines was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Lorene Lynn. Mr. Hines was born on May 20, 1929 in Hanceville, AL to Dallas Jesse and Susan Pearl Folds Hines. He is survived by his wife, Betty J. Hines, three daughters; Melonie (L.C.) Rape, Crystal (Jerry Brannon) Hines, and Amanda (Thomas) Middleton; four grandchildren Melinda Rape, Leonard C. Rape, Angie (Nathan) Allred, and Christina (Joshua Warren) Elrod; Great Grandchildren Isabella and Gabrielle Allred and Aiden Christopher and Owen Robert Elrod; two sisters, Jean (Robert) Jones and Irene McFadden.

The family would like to express their thanks to Comfort Care Hospice of Cullman for their compassion and care.

Funeral services for Opal Katherine “Kat” Moore, age 89 of Vinemont, will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Cullman Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with Robert Morgan and Melvin Hunter officiating. Interment will be in Union Hill Freewill BaptistChurch Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

On January 31, 2016, another angel went to be with her Lord and Savior. She passed away at Summerford Nursing Home surrounded by her loving children, family and friends. She was born June 20, 1926 in New Hope, Alabama.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Connie Moore; her parents, Robert Odell and Katie Irene Stephens; siblings, Grace Gilbert, Betty Faye Moss Clem, Bobby Stephens and Henry Stephens.

She is survived by her children, Janice Gayle Hill, Betty Ann (Richard) Bossman, Connie Steve (Diane) Moore, Ronald Gene (Debbie) Moore, Sharon Leigh Smelser, Tony (Vickie) Moore, Tim (Connie) Moore and Greg (Kim) Moore; three brothers, Bill Stephens, Perry Stephens and Jerry Stephens; twenty-one grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy, Terry, Eric, Jason, Michael and Joseph. Honorary pallbearers will be Stan, Kevin, John, Nicholas, Coy and Shawn.

Mrs. Mary Josephine Turk Kusner of Cullman Alabama passed away on January 31, 2016 at Hanceville Nursing and Rehab Center at the age of 87. She was born I Cleveland Ohio on February 20, 1928 to Frank Sr. and Amalya Turk.

She was a homemaker and she also worked at Town House Florist as a designer and she was also office manager at Automated Circuit Technology. She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Church Altar Society. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers: Frank J. Turk Jr. and John J. Turk.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2016 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 10 a.m.

Survivors are: Daughters: Maria G. (Paul) Nail, Francesca M. (Mark) Harper, Grandchildren: Paul Anthony (Heather) Nail Jr., Nathan (Crystal) Nail, Shannon (Brandon) Light, Cory Clark, Colby Clark, Great Granddaughters: Kattie Nail, Ella Nail, Josee Nail, Dacey Nail, Great Grandsons: Kaden Light, Owen Light, Weston Nail, Grayson Nail, Jaxson Nail.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 5, 2016 at Moss-Service Funeral Home from 5:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. and a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers: The family request donations be made to Sacred Heart School (Adopt-A- Student), St. Vincent DePaul Society or a charity of choice.

CULLMAN - As the threat of severe weather looms over our area, several area schools and organizations are announcing early dismissals and cancellations. Please check back often for updates.

As of 12:50 p.m., Feb. 2

• St. Paul's Lutheran School will dismiss at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2. Child Watch and all after-school activities have been canceled.

• CP&R afternoon programs and activities, including youth basketball, gymnastics classes, cheerleading practices, art classes and archery classes are canceled for Tuesday, Feb. 2.  CP&R will be getting in touch with all participants to reschedule missed classes.

• Cullman City Head Start will not have Extended Day tomorrow, Feb. 2.

• Cullman City Schools- all after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday, Feb. 2. This includes the EES Extended Day Program and all basketball games.

• Cullman County Schools- all after-school activities are canceled for Tuesday, Feb. 2. This includes all basketball games.

• Dora @ Hanceville basketball game that was canceled for tonight will not be rescheduled.

• Winston County Schools will dismiss at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2.

• Wallace State Community College will close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 2. All evening classes and activities are canceled.