HOLLY POND - On Saturday, the Town of Holly Pond hosted its first Vintage Market craft and antique show in Memorial Park. More than 40 vendors set up shop in the park, accompanied by live entertainment and kids’ inflatables.  Community shoppers browsed through antiques, handmade jewelry, toys and stuffed animals, wooden goods, quilts and foods.  The Holly Pond High School band played, and had its own tent where it sold old uniforms and trophies to help fund future projects.

Husband and wife entrepreneurs Wayne White and Robin Yates, who own The Middle of Nowhere antique shop adjoining the park, organized the event with support from the Holly Pond Town Council.

Yates explained, “This is an event sponsored by the Town of Holly Pond.  They just wanted to get people into the town, and bring the community together; so this is just sort of a little payback to the community from the Town of Holly Pond for all that the people do for the town. 

“The town council came to me and my husband--we have the little antique store here--and they asked if we could help organize the event.  I have a friend, Elizabeth White, who’s helped us also, and of course the town council has helped.  A lot of the businesses have helped.  We have some sponsors from the town that have supported us.  So, it’s really been a town effort.  We just appreciate the businesses that helped us.  We appreciate the vendors that came out; we’ve had some great, great vendors.”

Organizers were quite pleased with their first Vintage Market, and with the community response.

Yates continued, “The crowd has been wonderful today.  The weather has held off; it’s nice and cloudy, but there’s no chance of rain.  The temperatures are good.  People are lingering.  It’s been a great event.  We appreciate everything everybody’s done to bring it together.

“With the first show, you have no clue.  But we have prayed about this event for a long, long time, and we just turned it over to God, and He has really showed up today.  The crowds are great; people are buying from our vendors, so we’re pleased with it.”

Organizers hope the success of this year’s event will translate into the Vintage Market becoming an annual part of the local culture of Holly Pond.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Catholic faithful gathered in the gazebo of Hanceville’s Hamby Park to pray the Rosary. / W.C. Mann

HANCEVILLE - On Saturday afternoon, a small group of devout Catholics gathered at Hamby Park in Hanceville to pray the Rosary publicly.  The informal group, all of whose members are active at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, is part of the “America Needs Fatima” movement.  This year’s event, one of more than 21,000 such “rosary rallies” across the country on Saturday, took place on the day following the 100th anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun.”

According to Catholic teaching, between May 13 and Oct. 13, 1917 the Virgin Mary made six appearances to three Portuguese children near the town of Fatima: Francisco and Jacinta Marto, and Lucia de Jesus Santos.  As the story goes, to confirm the teachings of the earlier appearances, her last appearance was accompanied by a promised miracle witnessed by as many as 70,000: rain that had fallen since the previous night suddenly stopped, the field dried, and the emerging sun appeared to change color and “dance” in the sky.

The America Needs Fatima movement encourages and helps organize rosary rallies each year on the Saturday closest to Oct. 13.  Hanceville’s local event organizers were Charlene and Joan Chapman.

“This is the fourth year that we’re praying here,” said Joan Chapman.  “We’ve been celebrating since May, when she appeared to the three children in Fatima.  The main reason she came was to tell everybody to pray the Rosary.  And this is a message for today, too, a hundred years later: pray the Rosary every day.

“All of us go to the Shrine, and that’s why we moved here: because Mother Angelica picked this area.  She picked Hanceville; she said, ‘A town that has 30 churches is pretty okay with me!’  She knew, as soon as she stepped on the land, that this was the spot.

“We take this opportunity to pray to the Blessed Mother (Mary) today for peace in the world.  That’s the main thing we’re praying for.  You can see it in in the world today: so much agitation.  And she said, ‘Pray the Rosary.’”

For more information on the America Needs Fatima movement, visit www.rosaryrallytools.org. 

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CCBOE Superintendent Shane Barnette / Tribune file photo

VINEMONT - The Cullman County Board of Education declared October 2017 to be Dyslexia Awareness Month for county schools at its most recent meeting. The board passed a resolution stating:

WHEREAS, Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin and is characterized by difficulty with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities; and

WHEREAS, these difficulties typically are caused by a deficit in the phonological component of language that is unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and to the provision of effective classroom instruction; and

WHEREAS, secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Dyslexia occurs on a continuum of severity affecting between 10 and 20 percent of the population according to the National Institutes of Health; and

WHEREAS, our district and community will benefit from increased awareness of the nature of Dyslexia, the early warning signs of Dyslexia, and the value of multisensory structured language interventions for students with Dyslexia; and

WHEREAS, greater recognition and understanding are necessary to ensure that individuals with Dyslexia living in Alabama and all other Americans with Dyslexia are accurately identified and provided with appropriate services so that they might lead maximally productive lives:

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CULLMAN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION, do hereby proclaim October 2017 as Dyslexia Awareness Month in Cullman County Schools and encourage all teachers, parents, and community stakeholders to learn more about Dyslexia and to offer support to parents, educators, and individuals affected by Dyslexia.

Additionally, the board approved a proclamation recognizing the third week of October (October 16-20) as School Bus Safety Week.

Other board business:

-approved the following assistant principals to be athletic coaches for the 2017-18 year:

     George Redding (Fairview High) - senior high football coach

     Daniel Wakefield (Hanceville High) - senior high and ninth-grade boys’ basketball coach

     Brent Barnett (Hanceville High) - cross country coach

-approved 2017-18 academic and athletic coaching supplements and assignments

-increased nurse substitute pay to $100/day effective November 1, as well as adjusted the County Schools Salary Schedule to reflect the change

-approved two Public Works projects from the maintenance department (asphalt and paving for Good Hope Middle School’s parking lot, system-wide fuel tank painting)

-approved the maintenance department’s bid for re-roofing and renovating the Vinemont High School building and cafeteria

-approved Good Hope Middle School, Good Hope High School and West Point High School to pay their athletic directors, as well as GHMS to pay its robotics team sponsor

-approved professional leave days for Cullman County Education Support Professionals (CCESP) to send members to two assemblies in November:

Friday, Nov. 3 - 2017 ESP Minority Leadership Training Conference
Thursday, Nov. 30 and Friday, Dec. 1 - 2017 ESP Delegate Assembly in Montgomery

-approved two out-of-state field trip requests:

West Point High - four FFA officers will travel to Indianapolis Oct. 24-28 for the National FFA Convention
Vinemont Elementary - third-grade students will travel to the Tennessee Aquarium to learn about animals and their different habitats

Superintendent’s report:

Oct. 16-17 - Varsity Volleyball County Tournament at Holly Pond

Oct. 23 - Parent Teacher Conferences

Nov. 1 - Early Release Day

The next regular board meeting will be Thursday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m. in the Cold Springs Elementary Library, with a work session at 5:30 p.m.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

From the Files of 1951:

Hanceville Happenings

Mr. and Mrs. Fred Camp, of Calera, were the weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. Alex Bland.

A son, Barry David, was born on May 15th, to Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Millbourne, in Arlington, Virginia. Mrs. Millbourne is the former Jean Gantt.

Mrs. Carolyn Kessler and Mrs. K.C. Ruckas, of Birmingham, visited Mr. and Mrs. Earl Chandler, on Sunday afternoon. Mr. and Mrs. Albert Basenberg, Albert, Junior and Lynda, of Crawford, Mississippi, spent the weekend with Mr. and   Mrs.   Mart   Basenberg   and   other relatives.

Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Ashwander, of Birmingham and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Wallace, of Cullman, were the Sunday guests of Mr. and Mrs. G.S. Combs.

Miss Flossie Grantham and Mr. and Mrs. John Fortenberry, of Birmingham, spent Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Grantham.

From the Files of 1959:

The guest of Mrs. J.M. Oldacre this week has been Mrs. L.M. Rothwell, of Washington, D.C., whom Mrs. Oldacre met in Birmingham on Wednesday and brought to Cullman. Mrs. Rothwell stopped enroute to Fort Worth, Texas to visit relatives.

Mrs. Oldacre, Mrs. L.L. Otwell and Elizabeth were in Florence on Sunday to visit the Jesse Albert Kellers (Byrd Oldacre Keller’s son) in their lovely new home.

The very day before she and her husband, Lieutenant H.C. Moore were to leave by plane for a new assignment in North Africa, June Carr Moore was stricken with appendicitis and had to undergo an appendectomy. She is doing nicely and they now plan to leave next week.

Arriving home from Washington, D.C., where she has a government job, on Saturday morning was Carlene Arnold, for a three week vacation. She came by plane, which had to circle the airport 30 minutes before it could land because of dense fog.

Mr. and Mrs. H.W. Tillery and Mr. and Mrs. Grant Grissom and Kerry spent the weekend in Southgate, Kentucky as  guests of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Robertson and Mr. and Mrs. Arlin Tillery.

Doctor Frank A. Rose, president of the University of Alabama will confer 1270 degrees at commencement exercises next Sunday. Ten of the graduates are from Cullman County.

Graduation exercises of the 128th academic year are set for 5:30 p.m., in Denny Stadium.

Edward Delos Churchill, Boston, chief of surgical services at Massachusetts General Hospital, will give the commencement address.

Cullman County graduates are Ralph D. Blalock, B.S.; Clark C. Branch, Junior, B.S.; Clarence William Brunner, B.S.; Rosa Tillery Jones, B.S.; Barbara Louise Johnson, nursing diploma; Jack Knight, M.A.; Aubrey Ray Nesmith, B.S.; Ruth Carol Reichwein, B.S.; Omer Eugene Thomas, Junior, B.S. and Bettie Jean Edwards, nursing diploma.

Morris Rites

Mrs. Ida Dora Morris, age 70, died on May 19th at Cullman Hospital and funeral services were held at Angwin Service Chapel on May 21st. Interment was in Valhalla Cemetery, near Bessemer, with the Reverend John D. Perkins and David Higginbotham officiating and Moss Service directing interment.

Survivors include: two sons, Doctor John T. Morris and Arthur H. Morris;  four daughters, Mrs. Broughton Marlin, Mrs. B.G. Tinney, Mrs. F.F. Burgschneider and Mrs. James W. McConkey.

Pallbearers were Doctor J.C. Chambliss, Doctor L.D. Clemmons, William Huggins, Louis Robbins, Ivan Capps and Charles Capps.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Investigator Ryan Hogeland explains CCSO dive team operations and equipment. / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - The latest session of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is nearing the end, and it’s been a packed few weeks. Here’s what’s been happening during the last few Tuesday nights. 

Recently, participants of the Citizens’ Academy got to meet Special Agent Ernest “Ernie” Banker from the Birmingham office of the U.S. Secret Service, hear about the agency’s work, and get advice about keeping themselves from electronic crimes.

Banker is an Anniston native and Army veteran who has served with the Secret Service since 2005.  He served on U.S. President Bill Clinton’s protection detail, and at various times protected both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.

After a brief overview of the history of the Secret Service, Banker talked to the class about the agency’s current two-part mission: protection of elected officials and dignitaries, and the investigation of counterfeiting, financial and electronic crimes.  He spent most of his time explaining the Secret Service’s investigation of electronic crimes, and offering knowledgeable advice on how to keep oneself safe from cybercrimes.  Advice included:

Change all default usernames and passwords on new online accounts.
Use complex passwords not easy to guess.  Banker suggested the use of entire short sentences.
Update firmware and software often.  Updated software versions are usually more secure.
Monitor network activities.
Back up all computer data, and have a data/system recovery plan.
Use anti-virus software.  Banker pointed out that even many free programs offer good online security.
Limit the posting of personal information online.  Criminals often use social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn to gain information about potential targets.
In the event of identity theft, visit www.identitytheft.gov for information on what to do.

During the same class, CCSO investigators Phillip Harris and Ryan Hogeland came to talk about the CCSO dive team, and to display and explain the equipment divers use for underwater search operations.

Dispatch Supervisor Timothy Kerber explained and recommended the use of the Smart 911 system.  Subscribers can input critical information like personal or family members’ medical conditions into the system, and that information will automatically be available to 911 operators when an emergency call is placed from the subscriber’s registered phone number.  Interested persons were encouraged to visit www.smart911.com.

CCSO Director of Communications Brad Williams explained the Nixle system, which sends alerts to subscribers’ smart phones about local weather conditions, criminal activities, traffic problems, missing persons, and even special events.  Interested persons were encouraged to text “25sheriff” to 888777 to subscribe.  For more information, visit www.nixle.com.

Protecting the innocent

During a very busy Tuesday evening, participants learned how the department works to protect the innocent, vulnerable and victims of crime.

Victim Services

Capt. Edward Potter talked to the class about CCSO Victim Services, which offers victims of crime a variety of services.

“It’s my goal every day,” said Potter, “to get up and help somebody, some way, somehow.  I want to help somebody.”

The division’s services include:

Assisting victims of domestic violence in getting protective orders
Notification of victims of domestic violence before the release of arrested attackers
Financial assistance with medical bills for persons injured by criminal actions
Financial assistance for the burials of victims who die due to crimes
Giving victims with fears or concerns an immediate point of contact

Potter told the class, “The sheriff has the vision, and that’s my mission: to make sure that everybody knows that we care about them.”

School Resource Officers

Lt. Erik Ryan spoke to the class about the work of School Resource Officers (SROs).  Harmony School and the Cullman Area Resource Education center (“alternative school”) share an SRO; every other school in the county system has its own full-time officer.  According to information from the CCSO, “Each deputy provides a uniformed presence to their school campus. They are prepared and trained to protect the students and faculty from intruders, conduct criminal investigations and patrol their beat (the school). They advise the school administration in safety and security matters for each school as well as lending their expertise in law related issues. The deputies also provide security for after-school events, such as football, basketball, etc., for their assigned schools.”

According to Ryan, the roles of school officers changed from simple drug education to full-time protection of students, faculty and property after high-profile school shootings several years ago.  All CCSO SROs are certified in response techniques for active shooter incidents, and have trained school faculties in how to respond and protect their kids.

Project Lifesaver

Capt. Rick Blackwood introduced the international program, which, according to CCSO information, “helps provide rapid response to save lives and reduce potential for serious injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, Down Syndrome, dementia and other related cognitive conditions.”

Blackwood displayed wrist/ankle bracelets which carry a transmitter to be worn by the patient, and one of several tracking receivers carried by CCSO deputies trained in the use of the equipment.  Deputies on the ground start from the last known position of the patient, and can pick up the transmitter’s signal from up to a mile away.  Through cooperative partnerships with other agencies, officers can search from helicopters where receivers can pick up transmitter signals from up to 10 miles away.

This program is free to the families of people with special needs, thanks to funding provided by the Cullman Pilot Club.

For more information about these and other community programs, visit www.cullmansheriff.org.  

Combating drugs

In their latest session, participants in the Citizens’ Academy got to see and hear how law enforcement agencies combat drugs.  Drug sniffing dogs, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Gentry were all in the program.

The evening began outside the CCSO training center, as K9 Lt. Joey Cone and other deputies demonstrated how drug sniffing dogs search, and talked about how the department selects and trains drug and search dogs.  Students even got to meet the CCSO’s newest recruit, a 14-week old bloodhound named Clara Bell.

Back inside, DEA Birmingham office Agent Josh Moore talked about the work of his agency, especially how undercover drug operations identify and go after dealers.  He showed the class videos shot during his undercover operations, to demonstrate how such events take place, and the roles of informants.

Gentry, a former Cullman County narcotics officer and DEA agent, then took the floor to talk about how the drug problem has developed in Cullman County since the 1990s.  He began with a brief presentation on the economic impact of the illegal drug industry, noting that drug dealing sent $289 billion to Mexico last year.

According to the sheriff, the main drug threats in Cullman County come from:

Marijuana, the most commonly abused illegal drug in Alabama
Heroin and diverted pharmaceuticals, tied for second place among abused drugs.  Heroin today is often cut with extremely powerful depressant Fentanyl, leading to overdose deaths.  The most abused prescriptions include Oxycontin/Oxycodone and Vicodin/Hydrocodone.
Cocaine, including crack
Methamphetamine, including highly purified “ICE”

Gentry set forth the following timeline for the rise of meth in the county:

1990s - A rudimentary form of methamphetamine called “crank” or “dirty meth,” which is less that 25 percent pure, reaches Cullman County.
2003 - The largest meth bust in Alabama history to that time, 113 pounds of “crank,” takes place in Cullman County.
2005 - “ICE,” a clean form of meth that can be up to 98 percent pure, appears in the county.  Users, accustomed to heavily cut “crank,” begin overdosing and suffering psychotic episodes in frightening numbers.
2007 - The single-pot “shake and bake” portable meth lab appears, simplifying production of small amounts of meth right here in the county.

The sheriff also talked about the revival of heroin in the area, owed mainly to the rise in abuse of prescription drugs.  Prescription abuse has produced growing numbers of opiate addicts, and heroin offers users a cheaper alternative to the high cost of stolen pills.

“I tell everybody,” concluded Gentry, “the day we’re born is the day we start to die.  That’s the reality of it.  We can take what we do today and make it a positive, not a negative.  The best tool that we have is information: we can talk to each other, we can educate each other to the battles that we face. 

“We all have to face our own battles and things that we deal with.  And knowledge is power, as long as we remember: if we will make this world a little better, it will always be good for us.  If we can make it a little bit better tomorrow, we’ll always be moving forward.”

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

West Point High's Scholar's Bowl Team in Sylacauga on Saturday: from left to right: Kohler Lovett, Billy Ellis, Kohan Lovett, Will Parker, Tom Parker, Gabe Aufderhaar, Garrett Willingham, Declan Cornett, Grant Sikes / Courtesy of Lee Henry

CULLMAN COUNTY - This year’s Scholar’s Bowl League season kicked off on Oct. 12. According to West Point High School Scholar’s Bowl Team coach Lee Henry, the league is made up of teams from high schools all over Cullman County who meet each Thursday after school on the campus of Wallace State Community College, this year until Nov. 30.

The league, which is coordinated by Wallace State’s Christine O'Leary, has weekly sessions consisting of two matches for a full round-robin, and each team gets a bye week.

Here are the high school scores from week no. 1:

Match One:

Holly Pond - 140

Cullman High - 260

Good Hope - 250

St. Bernard - 280

Cold Springs - 190

Hanceville - 210

West Point - 530

Vinemont - 100

Fairview - BYE

Match Two:

St. Bernard - 340

Vinemont - 30

West Point - 570

Cullman High - 60

Holly Pond - 60

Hanceville - 240

Good Hope - 250

Fairview - 110

Cold Springs - BYE

There are no matches this week, since Wallace's Scholar's Bowl team is traveling to Gulf Shores for a tournament. The next matches will be on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Henry said there’s also a middle school league on Tuesdays.

That’s not all.

Shared Henry, “There is an Alabama Scholar's Bowl TV show that airs on Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Holly Pond will appear on the Nov. 4 episode against Southside High School from Gadsden, and West Point will play Pike County High on Nov. 11.

“These episodes are pre-recorded, so I already know the outcomes. Obviously, I can't say, though,” he laughed.

“The kids involved get scholarship money. The winning teams get to come back to play again. The more matches they win, the more scholarship money.

“I'm hoping to get a lot of (attention) for our Nov. 11 episode, plus any other episode(s) we may have filmed IF we won,” he smiled. “The show is on APT.”

West Point’s team traveled to Sylacauga High School for an invitational meet this weekend.

“Our A-team went 8-1. Our only loss was to Hoover A in the championship game,” said Henry. “Along the way, we beat Hoover B, St. Bernard, Buckhorn, LAMP, Spain Park, and Indian Springs A and B.”

Look for a weekly scholar’s bowl scoreboard from The Cullman Tribune.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

CULLMAN COUNTY - Since Feb.1, 2017, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Litter Crew has picked up litter on 289.3 miles of roadway. Most of that was county roads, but the miles did include sections of state highways and two exit ramps on the interstate and some municipal roads.

The CCSO Litter Crew has picked up litter on 98 roads and three roads twice. In all, 45,521 pounds of trash, almost 23 tons, have been picked up in every area of Cullman County.

The litter crew collected 1,020 pounds of aluminum cans, selling them for $536.01, and per Sheriff Matt Gentry donated the money to Cullman Caring for Kids. Javon Daniel, Cullman Caring for Kids executive director, stated that $100 buys 700 pounds of food. Daniel was able to purchase 3,752 pounds of food with the money from the litter crew.

With almost three months still to go in 2017, the litter crew is on track to pick up more than 50,000 pounds of trash from all roads in Cullman County.

 Cullman County residents who would like to report a road that needs to be cleaned can email trash@cullmansherriff.org.

In a photo taken after hours, The Evelyn Burrow Museum’s exhibit “Fifteen Minutes Homage to Andy Warhol” is seen. Andy Warhol expert Seth Hopkins will offer a lecture and museum walk-through at an open house on Thursday, Oct. 19, at 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

HANCEVILLE - The Evelyn Burrow Museum at Wallace State Community College is pleased to announce it will host a talk by Warhol expert Seth Hopkins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 19, with an accompanying open house for the exhibition, “Fifteen Minutes: Homage to Andy Warhol” from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. that evening.

Hopkins will present information on Warhol based on his research, and answer questions during a museum walk-through. Hopkins is the Executive Director of the Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville, Ga., a position he’s held since 2000. The Booth Western Art Museum loaned two large Warhol prints for the Burrow Museum exhibit.

“We are extremely excited to have Mr. Hopkins speak at the museum on a subject in which he is so well-versed,” said Kristen Holmes of The Evelyn Burrow Museum. “Anyone who attends the event will walk away with a bit more knowledge about and appreciation for one of America’s most iconic artists, Andy Warhol.”

Since 2003, Hopkins has also served as the Executive Director of Georgia Museums, Inc., which operates the Booth Museum, Bartow History Museum, and Tellus-Northwest Georgia Science Museum. Prior to entering the museum profession, Hopkins worked in the fields of journalism, public relations, and telecommunications management.

Under his guidance, the Booth Museum grew from an initial vision of a 30,000-square-foot regional art center, to a world-class, 120,000-square-foot Smithsonian Affiliated museum. The Booth Museum is now the largest permanent exhibition space for Western art in the country.  Similarly, Hopkins led the team that transformed the 10,000- square-foot Weinman Mineral Museum into the 125,000-square-foot Tellus Science Museum, also a Smithsonian Affiliate.  Southwest Art Magazine included Hopkins on its list of 10 prominent people who are “making noteworthy contributions to the art world.”

He received a master’s degree in Museum Studies from the University of Oklahoma in 2005.  While at OU he completed his Master’s Thesis: Andy Warhol Played Cowboys and Indians, under the direction of faculty advisor Byron Price.  Among the nearly 100 exhibitions Hopkins has curated or co-curated are Ansel Adams: Before and After, Blazing the Trail: 50 Years of the Cowboy Artists of America, Selling the Sizzle: The Art of Movie Posters and American Spirit Remembered: The Art of Mort Kuntsler.

Hopkins twice served as a juror for the annual Arts for the Parks exhibition in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and has also judged the annual Cowboy Artists of America Show and Sale in Phoenix, Arizona and the Coors Western Art Sale in Denver, Colorado. He has had articles published in American Art Review, Western Art Collector, and Persimmon Hill.  In 2010, he was honored with the prestigious Flourish Award, given annually to a leader who has helped the arts flourish in Georgia.  He recently served a two-year term as President of the Museums West Consortium, a group including the 15 largest and most important Western museums.

Hopkins is a native of Dexter, Maine, and currently resides in Cartersville, Ga., with his wife Joyce, son Stephen, step-son Alex, step-daughter Ansley and daughter Hadley.

“Fifteen Minutes Homage to Andy Warhol” will be on exhibit through the end of October. Admission to the Evelyn Burrow Museum is free, and the museum is open Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about the museum, visit www.burrowmuseum.org or call 256-352-8457.

Open House: Fifteen Minutes Homage to Andy Warhol

5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19

The Evelyn Burrow Museum, Wallace State Community College

Speaker Seth Hopkins

Free admission

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Oct. 13-15. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Adkins, Jamie Rae, 32

• failure to appear- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Albarran, Maria De Carmen, 30

• failure to appear- expired tag

Batemon, Curtis Raye, 38

• third-degree domestic violence

Burdeshaw, Elizabeth Blair, 22

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Calderon, Jonathan Allen, 28

• domestic violence-third-degree harassment

Cloud, Tommy Wayne, 38

• failure to appear- driving while revoked
• Cornelius, Don Luther, failure to appear- DUI

Cox, Desmond Ryan, 18

• second-degree domestic violence
• third-degree domestic violence- third-degree assault

Davis, Todd Alan, 46

• probation violation- second-degree theft of services

Duke, Travis Dewayne, 25

• unauthorized use- unlawful breaking and entering of a vehicle

Edwards, Ralph Jr., 32

• failure to appear- speeding

Fincher, Kelley Irene, 23

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument (3 counts)
• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Graham, Brooke Danielle, 27

• domestic violence- third-degree harassment

Griffin, Michael Thomas, 24

• second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Harbison, Ann Marie Holloway, 34

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hester, Bradley Dewayne, 35

• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

James, Megan Nail, 33

• failure to appear- possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia

Jones, Johnathon Adair, 23

• failure to appear- third-degree burglary
• failure to appear- third-degree forgery
• failure to appear- first-degree identity theft

Moore, Wanda Griffis, 59

• harassment

Nickens, Katrina Labriest, 24

• chemical endangerment of a child

Sewald, Jacob Branford, 29

• permitting dogs to run at large

Shelby, Roy Eugene Jr., 55

• failure to appear- driving while revoked

Shelton, Micky O’Neil, 57

• failure to appear- second-degree theft of property

Sheppard, Richard Blake, 30

• failure to appear- third-degree burglary (2 counts)
• failure to appear- unlawful possession/use of a credit/debit card
• failure to appear- first-degree receiving stolen property (2 counts)

Skinner, Joshua Charles, 32

• bail jumping 2- possession of drug paraphernalia
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia
• bail jumping 2- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• writ of arrest- child support
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Sponaugle, Zena Marie, 52

• fourth-degree theft of property

Tharp, Joshua Stephen, 22

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Wallace, Gregory Wade, 47

• bail jumping 2- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

West, Jayme Allen, 36

• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

White, Cody Heath, 23

• nonsupport

Williams, Walter Alexander, 30

• first-degree robbery

Cullman Police Department

Lewis, Katie, A., 21

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

Seay, Heather E., 33

• third-degree criminal trespassing

Ausban, Cody B., 22

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Fincher, Kelley I., 23

• failure to appear- driving while suspended

Thomas, Denzil J., 50

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• attempting to elude

Davidson, Tresa J., 54

• third-degree theft of property

Cooper, Krisytal A., 37

• DUI

Cray, Shane R., 30

• third-degree criminal trespassing

Creasey, Nathaniel L. ,35

• fourth-degree theft of property

Oden, Steven R., 35

• third-degree domestic violence

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported

Employees of Cullman Regional’s Cardiovascular Services and Emergency Department dressed up as Alice in Wonderland characters for the 2016 event. / Cullman Regional

CULLMAN - Cullman Regional will host its third annual Trunk or Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2017 from 4- 7 p.m. on the Cullman Regional campus.

More than 8,000 community members attended the event in 2016. Main features of this year’s event include free food, games, free health screenings and more candy than in years past.

The event will also feature elaborate trunks decorated and hosted by various departments and physician offices from across Cullman Regional’s campus.

“We initially hoped to host a few hundred people on campus for some fun and food,” Cullman Regional’s Executive Director of Marketing Lindsey Dossey laughed. “However, it continues to grow and exceed our expectations each year.” 

Cullman Regional departments compete to win “Best Trunk” as voted on by the event attendees; it has become a coveted title and has sparked some amazing creativity in the trunks featured each year.

“We have been amazed by the creativity of so many of our departments. Each year, the competition for first place becomes (fiercer),” Dossey said. “Last year, we had a three-way tie between Dr. Seuss, Alice in Wonderland and Harry Potter — who were all amazing.”

This year’s event will add a few features to help make the evening even more memorable than in previous years.

“We like to add and improve the event every year; so you’ll just have to come to see what’s new,” Dossey said.

For more information on upcoming events at Cullman Regional, visit www.cullmanregional.com.

WEST POINT - West Point’s new medical clinic was on the top of the agenda at Monday night’s West Point Town Council meeting. The West Point Family Medical Practice, which is currently under construction at the intersection of County Roads 1242 and 1141, could be open in four weeks, according to the council.

Diana Wilhite, CRNP is spearheading the project and was on hand to discuss details and the status of the construction with the council. A West Point High graduate, Wilhite has been practicing for more than a decade and has spent some of that time working at UAB. She is affiliated with Decatur Morgan Hospital and believes that a practice in West Point would attract her patients to the area.

At the clinic, Wilhite will be accepting walk-ins for acute illnesses, follow-up appointments for chronic illnesses, and physical examinations for athletes. The clinic will accept all kinds of insurance plans.

Up next on the agenda was the lighting situation on County Road 1243 and in front of West Point High School. Mayor Kenneth Kilgo said he has continued to hear from people within the community who feel those areas are dangerously under-lit and are not safe for walkers and runners. The council went over some photographs of the areas and motioned to add new lights onto County Road 1243, and after meeting with Cullman Electric Cooperative, they plan on adding a new pole and light on the street running between the high school and the football stadium. Kilgo also plans to investigate the cost of replacing all the bulbs on that street with new LED bulbs.

The last thing the council touched on was the progress on the turn lane project being built on Highway 157. The council motioned to hold a public hearing on Monday, Oct. 30 at 6 p.m. to sign a community development block grant that will go toward funding the project. The council will be seeking a $120,000 grant.

After the public hearing on the 30th, the council is scheduled to meet next on Nov. 20. The public is welcome at both.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

HOLLY POND -  Day one of the 2017 Cullman County Volleyball Tournament in Holly Pond saw some exciting action, with defending champion Fairview seeing tough competition in the double-elimination tournament.

West Point (2-0) over Holly Pond

The first game was dominated by the West Point Lady Warriors, even though it was a close contest early on. The Lady Broncos cut a 13-6 deficit to just four at 13-9, but that was the closest they got as the Lady Warriors, with a total team effort, outscored Holly Pond, 12-5, to take the first set, 25-14.

Game two saw the Lady Broncos jump out to a 7-4 lead behind three huge aces by Eva Duke and Kyndell Hays, as they looked to even the series up at one, but West Point came back and led by some big points by Gracie Thompson, Mackenzie Carter and Lexi Shadix, went on a 13-4 run to take a 17-11 lead and looked to sweep in dominating fashion, but Holly Pond looked to make them work for it as they cut the deficit to 20-15. The Lady Warriors got the final five points, including a big ace by Thompson, to take the second game, 25-15, to sweep the Lady Broncos.

Good Hope (2-0) over Hanceville

Good Hope jumped out to a 3-0 lead after an ace by Ally Knight. Hanceville tied it at three after an ace by Mattellan Rusk, but the Lady Raiders scored the next eight points, including a kill by Kate Kent, four straight aces by Alec Jackson, and back-to-back kills by Sadie Fendley and Leyton Seal, to take an 11-3 lead as they cruised to a 25-10 win to take a 1-0 lead. Twelve of their 25 points came on aces.

The Lady Raiders continued to dominate in game two as they jumped out to an 8-2 lead behind two aces by Christian Smith and big points by Jackson and Fendley. Smith added five more aces for the rest of the game to finish with seven, Kent added three points and Knight added another ace for the Lady Raiders as they went on to a 25-11 win and a 2-0 sweep.

Fairview (2-0) over West Point

West Point jumped on the defending champions early as the Lady Warriors led 4-0 after a block point by the combined hands of Shadix and Meredith Calvert, and stretched it to 7-2 after a Shadix ace. But the Lady Aggies had an answer as they outscored the Lady Warriors, 8-3, behind two aces by Rachael Yearwood, and a big point by Abby Taylor, to tie the game at 10. With the game tied at 15, led by four aces by Katie Ball and a big kill by Tess Bailey, the Lady Aggies took the first game, 25-17.

The second game was close the whole way. A point by Shadix gave West Point a 18-14 lead and looked to tie it up at one, but again, Fairview came back, behind a kill by Taylor and an ace by Ball, and the Lady Warriors had some unforced errors as they let a late lead slip again; the Lady Aggies wound up taking game two, 25-21.

Cold Springs (2-0) over Vinemont

The first game saw Cold Springs jump out to a 4-1 lead after two kills by Taylor Chambers. Both teams swapped the lead a few times in the match. Vinemont held a 20-16 lead, but Cold Springs went on a 5-0 run to take a 21-20 lead. After Vinemont retook the lead at 22-21, Cold Springs scored the final four points to take game one, 25-22.

Game two saw Vinemont jump out to a 3-0 lead, but Cold Springs recovered quickly, taking a 10-7 lead. The Lady Eagles stretched their lead to 19-12, but there was no quit in Vinemont as a 10-4 run cut the deficit to 23-22. Cold Springs got the final two points to sweep Vinemont. The Lady Eagles got big performances from Desmarie Moore, Taylor Chambers, Anna Freeman Voce and Emma Chambers. They also got big help from the rest of their team in their sweep.

Vinemont (2-1) over Hanceville in loser's bracket

Game one was close as the biggest lead either team had was four by Vinemont twice. The Lady Eagles’ lead was at 20-16, but the Lady Bulldogs cut it to 20-19 before Vinemont got five of the final seven points to take it, 25-22.

Game two went back and forth for some of the game. The Lady Eagles had a 19-16 lead and saw that lead evaporate before their eyes as the Lady Bulldogs took a 22-19 lead, and they held on to win, 25-22, to tie it up at one.

The third game was all Vinemont from the start as the Lady Eagles jumped out to a quick 9-2 lead after an ace by Bethany Golden, but Hanceville went on a 6-3 run, with the final two points of the run coming on an ace by Dinah Hudson and a point by Rusk, to cut the deficit to 11-8. But the Lady Eagles didn't let them get any closer than three the rest of the way, taking the final game, 15-11, eliminating Hanceville from the tournament. The Lady Bulldogs will travel to Hayden on Thursday. They got some solid performances from Karmen Johnson, Rusk, Savannah Hollingsworth, and the rest of the team. They will play in next Tuesday's area tournament game at Carbon Hill.

Good Hope (2-0) over Cold Springs

It was close early on between Good Hope and Cold Springs and it stayed that way for the whole match. After an Emma Chambers ace cut the lead to 6-3, the deficit for either team did not get more than four for the whole game, and there were eight ties, the last being at 16. Big points by Seal, Jesse Kent, and Alec Jackson gave the Lady Raiders a 21-18 lead, and they stretched it to 24-20 after an ace by Knight. The Lady Eagles cut it to 24-22 after a kill by Voce, but Kate Kent clinched the win for Good Hope with the final point of the match.

Good Hope started out game two strong, jumping out to a 6-2 lead after a point by Jesse Kent. Cold Springs quickly struck back, outscoring the Lady Raiders, 13-6, behind points by Moore and Taylor Chambers, and some unforced errors by Good Hope, to take a 15-12 lead. The deficit after that didn't grow to more than two the rest of the game. Big points by Kate Kent and Seal tied the game up at 16, and after that, both teams went back and forth. Good Hope tied it up at 23 late in the match, and clinched the sweep by getting the final kill point from Kent to win, 25-23, sending Cold Springs to the loser's bracket game against Holly Pond.

Good Hope got big performances from Kate Kent, Seal, Smith, Fendley, Jackson and Knight, along with the rest of the bench players, to go 2-0 on the day. They will take on Fairview tomorrow afternoon at 4.

West Point (2-0) over Vinemont

West Point looked to come back after getting swept by Fairview earlier on in the day. The Lady Warriors jumped out to a 7-3 lead, but Vinemont scored four in a row to tie it at seven. It was all Lady Warriors after that, putting up nine straight points en route to a 25-12 win in game one.

It was a battle in game two as both teams put it all out there. After Vinemont tied it at 11, the Lady Warriors, once again, started a big run, putting up seven in a row to make it 18-11. Vinemont would not quit, cutting the big deficit to 23-19. But West Point scored the final two points to finish off the 25-19 win and the sweep, eliminating the Lady Eagles from the tournament. The Lady Warriors will take on Holly Pond in the loser's bracket tomorrow afternoon at 3.

Pendley, Shadix, Carter, Avery McClure and others put up big performances for West Point, and Vinemont is improving each game going into next Tuesday's area tournament game against Oakman.

Holly Pond (2-1) over Cold Springs in loser's bracket game

Game one was back and forth early on between Holly Pond and Cold Springs. After Antonia Smith tied the game at eight, the Lady Eagles scored four in a row to take a 12-8 lead. Kills by Taylor Chambers and Lillian McSpadden, plus an ace by Emilee Harbison and a point by Voce, helped Cold Springs start a 7-0 run to take a 15-12 lead. They kept Holly Pond at arm's length the rest of the way, getting a big performance from Chambers as she finished with four aces, a point and two kills for the match in a 25-16 win for the Lady Eagles.

The Lady Eagles kept the momentum going into the next game, jumping out to a 6-1 lead behind two aces by Voce and two block points by Taylor Chambers, and stretched it to 11-3. Behind two kills by Kara Hollis, an ace by Presley Marks, two points by Smith and some unforced errors by the Lady Eagles, they cut the big lead to 15-14 after the Hollis ace. After Taylor Chambers got a point to make it 17-15, Holly Pond got some unforced errors by Cold Springs, an ace from Hays and a point from Taylor Martin to start an 8-0 run to take a 23-17 lead and held off a late rally by the Lady Eagles to win, 25-21, to tie the set up at one.

Game three saw eight ties between the teams. Unforced errors by both teams kept the game close for the whole contest, and after a kill by Duke tied the game up at 11, her teammates finished what she started, as kills by Hollis, Moore and Smith, and an ace by Hollis, gave Holly Pond a 15-11 win, keeping the Lady Broncos alive in the tournament while eliminating the Lady Eagles. They will take on West Point tomorrow at 3. Cold Springs will travel to Meek on Thursday.

Hollis, Marks, Smith and Moore had big performances for Holly Pond, as did Taylor Chambers, Emme Chambers, Voce, Harbison, Kylon Hamby and McSpadden for Cold Springs.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

GARDEN CITY - At its meeting Monday evening, the Garden City Town Council voted to extend the town hall schedule from four days per week to five, with the town office to now be open on Fridays.  Mayor Tim Eskew and Councilman Butch Bradford shared that community residents had complained about lack of access to town services on Fridays.

While the office will definitely be open on Fridays, the council debated whether or not town Public Works employees would be required to move from four 10-hour shifts to five eight-hour shifts per week.  Two town employees who were present were opposed to the idea, stating that a fifth work day each week would mean less work getting done per shorter shift, as well as disrupting their established personal and family schedules.  The council put off further discussion until a later time.

Next up, Garden City Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Ohls raised a concern about a recent incident in which his department was called out to a wreck on I-65, saying, “I’m basically dead set against having to go out on that interstate.  It’s bad enough here on (Highway) 31.”

When asked if other departments were available, the chief answered that he was informed by the dispatcher that his was the closest available with medical personnel.  Colony’s department was closer to the accident scene, but according to the Ohls, “They won’t call Colony for any medical calls.  Their fire chief does not want none of their people running medical calls, because they had an incident about five, six months ago.”

Mayor Eskew encouraged Ohls to contact the dispatchers and talk about the situation with them.  He did not want to see Garden City’s department simply refuse to assist when called.

Said Eskew, “If nobody can respond, somebody needs to respond.  We need the reputation that we’re going to be there if we’re the only one that can get there.”

He also cautioned that the department should never commit all of its resources to such a call, but should always have enough personnel at home to respond to local emergencies.

The council also discussed three local properties with issues it claims are making them nuisances:

Deb’s Tire - The council said that after numerous discussions between the Town and owners over outside tire storage, and trucks parking on Town property and hindering vision and access to nearby streets, this case will go to court on Nov. 7.

Property of Eric McAnnally - The council reported sending letters to McAnnally about an overgrown and debris-filled yard.  Due to a claimed lack of progress on the resident’s part, council members will begin drawing up paperwork to go to court.

Property of Britney Tytler - The council reported that Tytler has shown significant effort to clean up her property, and the council decided simply to encourage her to continue to carry her efforts to completion.

Lastly, the council also welcomed Good Samaritan Clinic’s Executive Director Jolanda Hutson, who is visiting each municipality in the county in an effort to promote contributions to the nonprofit organization, which provides medical services to the uninsured.  Drastic reductions in annual gifts from two major funding sources have left Good Samaritan $40,000 short this year.

The Garden City Town Council meets on the third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Garden City Town Hall.  The public is welcome to attend.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Mike Lowry, director of marketing at Elk River, Inc., takes his turn practicing on the Wallace State virtual welder as instructor Nolan Dooley, right, looks on.

HANCEVILLE– Wallace State Community College welcomed Barry May, the Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development for the Alabama Community College System, to campus on Thursday morning during the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce’s Biscuits and Business outing.

May discussed the manufacturing jobs and opportunities available in Alabama and the prospective outlook for the industry, on the heels of last week’s announcement of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) partnering with the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council (MSCC) for exclusive manufacturing short-term training for students.

Wallace State is already offering this training to students and is primed to begin classes for the public this fall. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 24, Wallace State will offer logistics training on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. as a non-credit workforce development program. The training is a three-week course, and students completing the course will earn a Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) and a Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification.

Wallace State is offering free training to the first 30 students who enroll in the new program. Otherwise, the fee is $149 (including textbook and the certification exam). Contact 256-352-7826 to register.

“The certified technician certification is going to be a hit in the area because there are so many transportation companies in our service area. These industries need employees with these certifications,” said Jimmy Hodges, Wallace State’s dean of Applied Technologies. “It’s another avenue for us to offer what are already excellent existing programs. These entry-level skill jobs can help people find jobs. It’s important to get them into the workforce.”

During the Chamber event, May presented how important the manufacturing industry is to Alabama, notifying the average manufacturing worker earned wages at an average of $81,289 in 2015. On the other hand, six out of 10 manufacturing jobs in the state go unfilled because of a talent and skill shortage.

With the manufacturing credentials on the horizon, it will now allow completes to enter the workforce at a better pay scale than someone without the proper training.

May added the ACCS has also established a new website, https://dreamitdoitalabama.com/, in conjunction with the new manufacturing initiative across the state.

“The benefits are tremendous and the opportunities are endless for those with credentials,” May said. “I’m extremely excited. These manufacturing credentials can better the citizens of Alabama.”

Hodges and Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics also addressed the crowd made up of local industry leaders and Wallace State employees. Karolewics noted that Wallace State is in the process of hiring a new Workforce Development Director and redesigning the Career Services Department to better develop applicant pools for area businesses and industry.

Those in attendance had the opportunity to get a preview of the virtual welder device used in Wallace State’s welding department and the robots used in the mechatronics/electronics technology program.

“We are honored to host this event with the Cullman Chamber of Commerce and thankful Mr. May had time in his schedule to come and be a part of our community. Manufacturing in Alabama is being put at the forefront of the news, and it’s because Alabama is successful in attracting industries. In order to do that, we have to have certified and trained workforce,” Hodges said.

For more information about Wallace State, visitwww.wallacestate.edu.

Leslie McClure describes the functions of the Federal Reserve at a meeting of the Cullman Kiwanis Club on Monday, Oct. 16, 2017. / W.C. Mann

CULLMAN - On Monday, Oct. 16, Cullman Kiwanis Club members had the opportunity to hear about the work of the United States Federal Reserve from Leslie McClure, the regional executive senior officer of the Birmingham office of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.  The Atlanta bank, representing the southeastern states, is one of 12 around the country that make up the Federal Reserve (often referred to as “the Fed”).

McClure explained that the Fed performs three primary functions: bank supervision - regulation of policies and procedures of banks and banking systems; payment services to financial institutions - managing the flow of money from one entity to another when payments are made by check, or through direct deposit programs.  The Fed also oversees security for these types of systems; and monetary policy - controlling the price of credit to raise or lower interest rates, so as to stimulate a weak economy or reign in an economy growing out of control.

The Fed, McClure explained, is run by a leadership structure that is set in place for substantially longer terms than elected federal officials, making it much more difficult for those leaders to be controlled by one administration or another.  That structure is spread across 12 reserve banks nationwide, so that the Fed’s policies will take into account the economic situations of every portion of the country, not just financial centers like Washington or New York.

McClure shared her thoughts about the current U.S. economy, stating that it appears strong now and is moving steadily in a positive direction. 

She said, “We’re in a situation now where the economy is growing slow and steady.  We’ve had extraordinarily low interest rates for many, many years since the financial crisis (2008-2010).  We have begun raising those back in late 2015, but they’re still at a level that we would consider stimulative.

“At the most recent FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting, the governors pointed out that the labor market has continued to strengthen.  Economic activity has continued to rise moderately, not wild growth, not contraction, just kind of good, moderate, stable growth.  Job gains have been very solid, with the exception of September--which we know was impacted by the storms, so you kind of take that with a grain of salt.  Household spending has been expanding moderately, and overall inflation is actually running a little lower than the goal we have, which would be between two percent and three.”

Of the current job market, McClure noted that, while employment rates are up, the percentage of the population in the workforce has declined.  This is due largely to increasing numbers of baby boomers retiring, and is resulting in many businesses struggling to find employees.  Additionally, while the unemployment rate is around four percent, many of those who are working are doing so in part-time jobs that do not provide them with good incomes.  Including both the unemployed and those who are “underemployed,” the number of those who have struggled to find a good place in the workforce is actually around eight percent, according to McClure.

Over the last year, even including the weather-driven slowdown in September, the U.S. has averaged 148,000 new jobs (more people entering the workforce than leaving) per month.

The local chapter of Kiwanis International meets for a fellowship lunch at noon each Monday in Christ Hall at St. John’s Evangelical Protestant Church, and hosts speakers on many various topics, along with occasional entertainment.  For more information, visit www.facebook.com/cullmankiwanis.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.              

Each month the local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) recognizes and honors a local Cullman Wounded Warrior with a certificate and a coin. Here on the right, Cullman SAR President Ken Brown is awarding the SAR Wounded Warrior Award to Cullman Dr. Tom Barnes, who, while serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam as an airborne artillery spotter, was shot down by enemy fire and wounded and later received a Purple Heart.

The SAR is a patriotic organization that strives to honor all those patriots who step forward to serve our nation, and we were proud to extend this recognition to Tom Barnes.

CULLMAN - Below are the arrests reported for Oct. 16. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Campbell, Joshua Adam, 34

• writ of arrest- child support

Jenkins, Donald Earl II, 19

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

Miller, Emma Leighann 24

• unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (2 counts)
• failure to appear- possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts)
• failure to appear- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• failure to appear- unlawful possession of a controlled substance (3 counts)

Stewart, Matthew Tyler, 32

• failure to appear- liability insurance required

Vaughn, William James, 20

• harassment

Cullman Police Department

Robinson, Larry D., 53

• third-degree domestic violence

Cummings, Stephanie S., 48

• domestic violence- third-degree harassment

Hanceville Police Department

No arrests reported

The number of AP classes at WPHS has increased almost nine times since 2014. / Amanda Yearwood

WEST POINT - In September, West Point High School (WPHS), the largest school in the county school system, was named a School of Excellence by the A+ College Ready Program, a joint venture between the private A+ Education Partnership and the Alabama Department of Education.  Only four other schools in the state received that honor: Russellville High School in Franklin County, Albert P. Brewer High School in Morgan County, Carroll High School in Dale County and Prattville High School in Autauga County.

According to its website, “A+ College Ready is dedicated to developing effective teachers to educate students at higher levels, and to promoting the attainment of higher education in Alabama. It is our goal to increase the number of students in Alabama enrolled in math, science, English, and social studies Advanced Placement (AP) courses, earn qualifying scores on AP exams, and attend and succeed in college.”

Between 2008 and 2016, Alabama quadrupled the number of students taking AP exams, from 5,327 students in 2008 to 27,817 students in 2016.  As a result, Alabama ranks first in the entire nation in the percentile increase in qualifying scores on AP math, science and English exams.  In 2017, Alabama students took 49,860 AP exams and earned 26,279 scores qualifying for college credit.  This means that the students who achieve those scores will get college course credits without having to sit through classes, meaning potential earlier graduation and savings on tuition costs.

WPHS counselors Amanda Yearwood and Shannon Waters, via the school’s AP program website, explained their school’s entrance into the program:

“As a public high school, we are faced with the challenge of providing varied instruction to accommodate for both high achieving students and those students who struggle academically.  We are also challenged by a millennial generation that becomes easily bored or disengaged with instruction delivered via the old “sit and get” model.  These two factors alone are enough to justify change.  As educators we are lifelong learners who believe in the value of working toward a goal.  Our goal is to prepare every student as college and/or career ready by the exit of high school.  To adequately prepare our students we must be willing to find new ways to reach them.  These beliefs led us to pursue the opportunity to offer AP and Pre-AP courses in our school and serve as the spark to ignite the change needed to meet our goal.  

“In the 2013-2014 school year our faculty began discussions on what opportunities our students had verses schools in our region.  At that time, our students had little to no access to college level course work and the opportunity to earn college credit.  In 2014-2015 we started building our AP program by launching a few Advanced Placement courses.  Our students became excited and our faculty found new enthusiasm. In 2015-2016 we applied for and were invited into the A+ College Ready program.  This program enabled us to expand our course offerings to include Pre-AP and AP coursework, provide quality training for teachers, and funding for classroom supplies.  As of 2016-2017 our course offerings and student enrollment numbers in challenging courses has increased exponentially!”

In 2014 WPHS offered three AP classes.  In 2017, the school boasts 26 AP and pre-AP offerings.  In the spring, students took their exams and produced 56 qualifying scores.  At a special celebration, the school presented a $100 gift card for each qualifying score, placing $5,600 directly into the hands of students.

Since WPHS joined the program in 2014, the A+ College Ready program has brought the school $325,000 in value grants, instructional and curriculum support and funding, and a potential of up to $100,000 in tuition savings, if all of the AP students pursue college educations.

Said Yearwood, “We are extremely proud of our students and teachers for all the work they have dedicated to Advanced Placement courses.  Each of them spend an enormous amount of time in the classroom and beyond. Part of the A+ College Ready grant provides special Saturday Study Sessions to help students better prepare for exams.  Many of our students have spent their Saturdays at these sessions.  This type of dedication, in my opinion, is the key ingredient to their success.

“I am very excited about what the future holds for our students.  In a recent vertical team meeting with 6-12 teachers in our feeder pattern (West Point Middle, Harmony, West Point High) we discussed the impact that the curriculum and teacher training was having on all students.  Many of the lessons used in Pre-AP and AP courses are being used in standard level courses as well.  We are anxious to see student progress over the coming years.”

For more information on the A+ College Ready program, visit http://aplusala.org/college-ready.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Fairview Lady Aggies celebrate their win. / Bill Piper

HOLLY POND - The Fairview Lady Aggies pulled it out on Tuesday, claiming the Cullman County Volleyball title for the second year in a row. No. 1 seed Fairview defeated the no. 3 seed Good Hope Lady Raiders in the championship, 25-17, 25-20.

"Our girls made history with back-to-back county championships," said Fairview head coach Tracy Means. "The seniors are very proud to be part of these championships."

In the elimination bracket, no. 4 seed West Point defeated no. 5 seed Holly Pond in two sets, 26-24, 25-22.

The Lady Aggies stayed in the winners bracket the entirety of the tournament. They defeated a game Good Hope squad 25-23, 17-25, 15-10 in the winners’ final after the Lady Raiders forced a third set.

Good Hope then fought its way out of the losers’ bracket by defeating West Point 23-25, 25-18, 15-10.

However, when Fairview and Good Hope faced off again, the results were the same as Fairview took home its second consecutive county volleyball championship in two sets, 25-17, 25-20.

Several Fairview players had huge matches and put up impressive stats:

McKinna Yearwood- 18 good serves, 22 digs, 14 kills

Ally Hogeland- 15 good serves, 13 digs

Daisy Manasco- 24 digs, 9 kills

Katie Ball- 16 digs, 3 blocks

Abbie Taylor- 11 kills, 2 blocks

Tess Bailey- 7 kills, 3 blocks

Micah Means- 19 good serves

Marissa Donohoo- 8 digs

Fairview’s McKinna Yearwood was named Tournament MVP, while the Samantha Perdue Award went to Emma Chambers from Cold Springs.

Members of the Coaches’ All-County Team:

Cold Springs- Anna Kate Voss, Emma Chambers

Fairview- McKinna Yearwood, Alivia Boyll, Abbi Taylor, Ally Hogeland

Good Hope- Kate Kent, Chrissi Smith

Holly Pond- Presley Marks, Antonia Smith

Vinemont- Rachel Hall

West Point- Molly Pendley, Lexi Shadix, Mackenzie Carter

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson recognizes members of the Cullman Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, sponsored by Lucas McCollum, center. / Nick Griffin

CULLMAN - The Cullman City School Board met Tuesday, where it adopted a resolution declaring the month of October Dyslexia Awareness Month, joining the Cullman County School Board, which declared the same thing last week.

Cullman City Schools Superintendent Dr. Susan Patterson gave a statement on how important dyslexia awareness is to her, the board and the community.

“Cullman City Schools joined with the State Department of Education and other school districts in passing a resolution declaring October as Dyslexia Awareness Month. It's important to raise awareness of dyslexia, recognizing that statistics tell us that as much as 15-20 percent of our students can be affected in their learning by dyslexia," said Patterson. “Cullman City Schools has been proactive throughout the years in seeking ways to support those students affected.  Utilizing professional development funds to have staff receive specialized training in how to best teach students with dyslexia has been an objective for the system for several years now. Cullman City Schools has a strong partnership with the City, and through that we received additional assistance that allowed us to employ a full-time intervention teacher who has an advanced degree in dyslexia therapy.

“Placing a focus on early identification and intervention with students is important.  Research proves students who receive effective phonological awareness and phonics training have significantly fewer problems.  Through our school-based reading specialists, we are ensuring all students receive the support needed to be successful readers and learners. Early intervention is key to supporting students with dyslexia because statistics state that 74 percent of readers who struggle in third grade will continue to struggle as ninth graders. We want to meet the needs of all students through our partnerships such as this with the City and the dedicated teachers we have.  Cullman City Schools will continue to provide our students a successful foundation to their learning," said Patterson.

The board also recognized several board members and presented awards.

The first award recognized was the 2017 School Board Member Academy President’s Award, presented to the Cullman City Board of Education along, with recognition of board members Chris Branham, Joey Orr and Lee Powell for completing the Alabama Association of School Boards (AASB) School Board Member Academy Achievement Level 1. Cullman City Schools was also recognized as a 2018 Best School in America by Niche.

Next up was the Cullman High School Fishing Team, led by coach Kyle Morris, who in June won the Alabama B.A.S.S. Nation High School Championship. The fishing team members present for the recognition were Lawson Graves, Cameron Glasscock, Cy Lambert, Houston Smith, Keaton Kenney and David Dueland. Following them was the Cullman Middle School Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter, sponsored by Lucas McCollum, who finished first in the county in Forestry Judging and will be one of 23 schools in Alabama advancing to the district competition. They also received a Gold Level National Chapter Award at the state FFA convention.

After the award recognitions, the board moved onto approving several agenda items.

• Approved the LEA Consolidated Plan for federal programs within Cullman City Schools.
• Approved the Cullman City Primary School CIP plan.
• Approved permission to contract with Dr. Gayle Morrison to provide guidance to teachers pursuing their National Board Certification for the 2017-2018 fiscal year.
• Approved a revised FY2018 Head Start Grandfathered Salary Schedule.

The next school board meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 16 at 5 p.m.

Copyright 2017 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.