Customers line up at Marco's Pizza in Cullman Monday morning. The new restaurant is located at 1302 Second Ave SW (U.S. Hwy. 31) Unit A in Cullman. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - A robust crowd came out for the much anticipated opening of Marco’s Pizza Monday. Partner and operating manager Evan Rollet and his staff were working hard to keep up with the enthusiastic response to the store’s opening.

Rollet laughed, “Our reinforcements just arrived,” as the phones continued to ring and a steady stream of customers came to dine in.

The Cullman store is the second store Rollet has opened. He is also partner in the Athens location that opened two years ago.

Rollet said he was excited to finally see the store open after waiting longer than expected for the location to be completed. The weather played a major role in the delays. He said he is working to get staffing where he would like it be.

"We have around 15 on staff now, but ideally we would be at 25 or more. We are short on the delivery end and hope to hire more. We deliver to the greater Cullman area,” he said.

Located at 1302 Second Ave SW (U.S. Hwy. 31) Unit A in Cullman. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional and specialty pizzas as well as salads, subs, wings, cheesy breads and desserts. It also offers delivery, carry out and dine-in options. Marco’s is open Sunday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-midnight. Hours are the same for dine-in, carryout and delivery.

For more information, visit www.marcos.com or call 256-255-7070. 

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Nathaniel Riley Thomas, left; Joshua Gerald Lott, right (Cullman County Sheriff's Office)

CULLMAN, Ala. - Two men were arrested on Thursday, March 7, both charged with first-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary. A media release from the Cullman County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) said Joshua Gerald Lott, 28, of Hanceville and Nathaniel Riley Thomas, 35, of Cullman were arrested following an investigation that lead deputies to the state of Tennessee.

The CCSO said deputies were alerted Wednesday, March 6, 2019 that a victim was missing and had possibly been kidnapped by Lott and Thomas.

"As the investigation continued late into the night, and as CCSO deputies followed up on tips and leads, it was confirmed by (the) CCSO that the victim had been taken by the suspects at gunpoint from his home," said the release.

On March 7, said the CCSO, it was determined that Lott and Thomas were just outside Chattanooga. Tennessee law enforcement detained the pair until CCSO deputies and investigators arrived.

The victim was located safe and unharmed.

"We can't go into a lot of detail at this time due to certain aspects of this case still being investigated, but I would like to thank the deputies, investigators and Tennessee law enforcement officers who helped us arrest these two suspects," said Sheriff Matt Gentry.

Lott and Thomas remain in the Cullman County Detention Center, each on a $70,000 bond.

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CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 11, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

Incidents

March 7

• domestic violence; County Road 461
• theft of property; County Road 437
• domestic violence; County Road 1141
• domestic violence; County Road 544
• theft of property; Hwy. 278E
• violation of protection order; 1st Ave. NE
• theft of property; County Road 852
• domestic violence; Hwy. 91
• domestic violence; 3rd St. Hanceville
• theft of property; County Road 1286
• unlawful breaking and entering a motor vehicle; County Road 1194
• theft of property; County Road 1742

March 8

• theft of property; Hwy. 91
• possession of drug paraphernalia; County Road 1315, County Road 1339
• possession of drug paraphernalia; County Road 1080
• harassment; County Road 643
• harassment; Megan Lane
• unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; County Road 773
• burglary; County Road 556
• violation of a protection order; County Road 1386
• theft of property; County Road 1391
• theft of property; County Road 645
• unlawful possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia; 2nd Ave. NW
• harassment; Cemetery Road
• permitting dogs to run at large; County Road 522

March 9

• trespassing, theft of property; County Road 613
• violation of a protection order, criminal mischief; Calvert Road
• harassment; County Road 464
• domestic violence; County Road 831
• domestic violence; Hwy. 231
• unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; County Road 1273
• theft of property; Hwy. 278

March 10

• illegal possession of prescription drugs; Hwy. 31
• violation of a protection order; County Road 1386
• harassment; County Road 490
• unauthorized use of a motor vehicle; County Road 831
• theft of property; County Road 1371
• domestic violence; County Road 502
• trespassing; Hwy. 69S
• theft of property; Brooklyn Road
• unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; County Road 1184
• possession of drug paraphernalia; 1st Ave. S Garden City
• domestic violence; County Road 1740

Arrests

March 7

Burns, Kie Jeffery, 19

• probation violation- third-degree burglary (2 counts)
• fourth-degree theft of property

Crutchfield, Chad Thurston, 38

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Hall, Jennifer Lee Ann, 34

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Jasso, Joel Antonio, 36

• public intoxication

Lott, Joshua Gerald, 28

• first-degree kidnapping
• first-degree robbery

Thomas, Nathaniel Riley, 35

• first-degree kidnapping
• first-degree robbery

Whitaker, Brian Keith, 37

• third-degree domestic violence- third-degree trespassing

Williams, Billy Leon, Jr., 35

• probation violation- unlawful possession of controlled substance

March 8-10

Ballenger, Cody Lee, 30

• FTA- public intoxication

Barnett, Christian Davis, 22

• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance
• FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Barnett, Trent Mackenzie, 18

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Blackmon, Joshua David, 33

• FTA- unlawful possession of a controlled substance

Brizendine, Christopher Neal, 44

• possession of drug paraphernalia
• second-degree promoting prison contraband
• unlawful possession of controlled substance

Burgess, Charles Patrick W., 27

• unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle

Cannon, Amy Brasher, 40

• illegal possession/use of a credit or debit card (old charge)

Carr, Patrick Dewayne, 38

• probation violation- incest
• probation violation, second-degree rape

Carroll, Kevin Douglas, 46

• FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana

Cook, Ronald David, Jr., 40

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Ford, Megan Brittney, 29

• illegal possession of prescription medicine

Fullard, James Tony, 54

• DUI – alcohol and controlled substance
• expired driver’s license
• illegal possession of alcohol in a dry county
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Fulton, Brandon Ken, 35

• probation violation- first-degree receiving stolen property
• probation violation- unlawful possession of controlled substance

Gatlin, Joshua Alexander, 22

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Harris, Anthony Gerome, 49

• writ of arrest – child support

Hills, Jason, 43

• negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Huber, Kenneth Allen, 33

• violating a protection order

Knighten, Jennifer Suzette, 33

• contributing to truancy (2 counts)

Kovacik, Robin Lynn

• illegal possession/use of credit or debit card (old charge)

Littrell, Logan Mundy, 35

• FTA- third-degree burglary
• FTA- first-degree theft of property
• FTA- third-degree theft of property

Mead, Jody Alan, 34

• attempting to elude
• probation revoked-first-degree theft of property (3 counts)

Mendoza, Jose Luis, 22

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

Moses, Lauren McKenzie, 19

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Palmer-Powell, Louis Jagar, 23

• DUI – influence of alcohol

Pecina, Leslie, 22

• judge’s order/harassment

Phillips, Barry Eugene

• third-degree burglary

Raymond, Robert Clifford, 46

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Reid, James Wallace, 25

• third-degree burglary

Shearin, Amanda Nichole, 27

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Thomas, Larry Ray, 39

• FTA- negotiating a worthless negotiable instrument

Vanegas, Armando, 21

• third-degree domestic violence-third-degree assault
• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Waters, Steven Andrew, 39

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia

Wren, Daniel Ryan, 23

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

March 7

• duty upon striking an unattended vehicle; person; Hwy. 157; damage to ’07 Chevrolet Malibu; $500

March 8

• fourth-degree theft of property; Catoma Package; County Road 1435; alcohol; $36
• fourth-degree theft of property; Belk; Cullman Shopping Center; sunglasses; $35

March 9

• fourth-degree theft of property, third-degree criminal trespassing; Wal-Mart; HWY 157; general merchandise; $60
• theft of property; person; Harmony Lane SW; medication; unknown amount of property value
• fourth-degree theft of property; Wal-Mart; Olive Street SW; general merchandise; $145

March 10

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment; Campbell Lane SE
• unlawful breaking and entering of a motor vehicle; Person; Hurricane Creek Park; wallet and contents, damaged window; unknown amount of property value

Arrests

March 8-10

Jacob R. James, 21

• FTA- speeding

Sonya L. Nail, 58

• DUI

James L. Reeves, 52

• making a terrorist threat

Caleb C. Cofield, 34

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance

Elizabeth C. Holladay, 22

• public intoxication

Brandon C. Fulton, 35

• fourth-degree theft of property

Gregory A. Aycock, 49

• unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (3 counts)

Gordon L. Winstead, 48

• trafficking
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Christian D. Barnett, 22

• unlawful distribution of controlled substance

James W. Reid, 25

• FTA- insurance violation (2 counts)
• FTA- leaving the scene of an accident
• FTA- failure to register vehicle
• FTA- driving while revoked

Sommer A. Link, 38

• unlawful possession or receipt of a controlled substance

Tommy C. Pennington, 57

• public intoxication

Devon P. Durante, 23

• FTA- possession of drug paraphernalia
• FTA- carrying brass knuckles

Roy M. Hasting, 54

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

Patricia D. Bradford, 53

• DUI

Zachary W. Jones, 26

• third-degree domestic violence- harassment

Jason K. Morris, 40

• FTA- third-degree criminal trespassing

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

Gracie Abbott (3) went two for four with two RBIs at the plate in West Point's 6-2 win over Curry on Monday. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)

WEST POINT, Ala.– Curry made the trip up to West Point Monday afternoon to take on the Lady Warriors and they were sent home with a 6-2 loss. Carlie Wilkins went the distance on the hill for West Point, tossing seven innings, allowing two runs on five hits and collecting eight strikeouts.

After two scoreless innings, the Lady Warriors jumped out in front on an RBI single from Gracie Abbott. Bethany Minck came around to score on a passed ball just a few pitches later and it became a 3-0 game when Abbott scored on a fielder’s choice.

The big inning continued for West Point. An RBI double off the bat of Makayla Brown extended the lead to 4-0 and Syndey Sellers brought her home with an RBI single to make it 5-0 going into the fourth inning.

Curry trimmed the lead to 5-1 in the top of the fourth and made it 5-2 in the top of the sixth but an RBI double from Abbott put the Lady Warriors up 6-2 in the bottom half of the inning and put the game out of reach for the Lady Yellow Jackets.

Abbott finished the day two for four with two RBIs at the plate and Brown (one RBI) recorded two hits as well. Sydney Sellers (one RBI) and Shelby Sellers each collected a hit in the win as well.

West Point is now 3-4-1 on the season and they’ll try to stay in the win column when they travel to Arab on Tuesday.

Vinemont 8 – Brindlee Mountain 7 (softball)

The Lady Lions scored two in the top of the second to take an early lead, but the Lady Eagles responded in their half of the inning. An RBI triple from Emilie Hoffman cut the lead to one and an RBI single from Makayla Noblett tied the game at 2. Vinemont was able to bring one more run across on a fielder’s choice to take a 3-2 lead into the third inning.

Maci Smith singled in the bottom of the third to make it 4-2 and the Lady Eagles added two more runs in the inning on an RBI double from Hoffman and an RBI single from Katelyn Evans. Brindlee Mountain plated one run in the fourth and three more in the sixth to tie the game at 6.

The Lady Lions brought a run across in the top of the seventh to take a 7-6 lead with just three outs remaining for Vinemont. Brooklyn Knott led off the inning for the Lady Eagles and reached first base with a single and Maddie Oliver drove her around to score with an RBI double that tied the game at 7. Mackenzie Lawrence sealed the first win of the season for Vinemont when she connected for an RBI double that brought Hailee Moore around to score and give the Lady Eagles an 8-7 win.  

Hoffman (two RBIs), Lawrence (one RBI) and Emma Dortch each racked up three hits in the win for Vinemont. Evans and Smith each just finished just behind them with two hits. The Lady Eagles will try to make it back to back win when they travel to Holly Pond on Tuesday.

Fairview 16 – Southeastern 7 (softball)

The Lady Aggies took a 2-0 lead in the opening frame after they scored on an error and Katie Ball drove in a run with an RBI double. Southeastern cut the lead to one in the bottom of the first but a triple from Kennedy Johnson put Fairview on top 3-1 in the top of the third.

The Lady Mustangs trimmed the lead to 3-2 in the bottom half of the fourth, but the Lady Aggies scored on a fielder’s choice, an error and a pair of RBI singles from Johnson and Olivia Overton to make it 7-2 in the top of the fifth.

Southeastern put together a big fifth inning and plated five runs to tie the game with Fairview but Allyson Wooten put the Lady Aggies back in front by one with an RBI double in the top of the sixth and an RBI triple off the bat of Devan Fulmer stretched the lead to 10-7. Another run came home on an error to give Fairview an 11-7 advantage going into the bottom of the sixth.

The Lady Aggies tacked on three more runs in the top of the seventh with back to back homeruns from Wooten and Ball and officially put the game out of reach for the Lady Mustangs. Fairview added two more runs on passed balls to make it 16-7 going into the final frame and the Lady Aggies held on to win it with ease.

Ball led the way at the plate for Fairview in the win, going four for five with three RBIs and Wooten finished just behind with two hits and another three RBIs. Fulmer and Johnson each collected two hits and two RBIs as well.

The Lady Aggies will look to stay in the win column when they travel to Good Hope on Tuesday.

Hayden 16 – Cullman 2 (softball)

The Lady Wildcats put up 16 runs in the first three innings to end their matchup with Cullman early Monday afternoon. The Lady Bearcats scored a pair of runs in the top of the third when Olivia Hudson scored on a fielder’s choice and Alex Stansell drove in a run with an RBI single, but it was too little too late for Cullman and Hayden pulled away to win it 16-2.

The Lady Bearcats collected just two hits in the win, coming from Stansell and McKenna Kline. Cullman will try to bounce back with a win on Tuesday when they travel to face Curry.

Meek 10 – Lindsay Lane 0 (softball)

The Lady Tigers scored four in the bottom of the first to build an advantage early in the game and pulled away to win in it in six innings, 10-0. Autumn Peek got the win on the mound for Meek, going all six innings, shutting out Lindsay Lane, allowing just two hits and picking up five strikeouts.

Brooke Cleghorn led the Lady Tigers with three RBIs in the win, followed by Abby Phillips who went two for four at the plate with two RBIs and Savannah Smith who finished two for three with two RBIs of her own.

Meek will look to stay on the winning side of things when it travels to Falkville on Tuesday.

Oneonta 10 – Hanceville 2 (softball)

Cold Springs 6 – Hanceville 1 (baseball)

The Bulldogs took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second but a 5-run third inning by Cold Springs allowed the Eagles to pull away with the win on their home field.

An RBI single from Drew Campbell made it 1-0 Hanceville early in the game but a 2-run single from Cold Springs’ Lawson Burgess made it 2-1 in the third. The Eagles scored on a fielder’s choice to make it a 3-1 game and two more runs crossed the plate on an error and a wild pitch to stretch the lead to 5-1.

Brooks Stephenson drove in one more insurance run in the bottom of the fifth to secure the win for Cold Springs. Jake Abbott went all seven innings on the mound for the Eagles, allowing one run on just two hits and collecting seven strikeouts.

Logan Rice went a perfect three for three at the plate in the win and Burgess led Cold Springs with two RBIs. The Eagles will look to stay in the win column when they travel to Oakman on Friday and Hanceville will try to bounce back and respond when it travels to Fairview on Tuesday.

Albertville 4 – Fairview 0 (baseball)

The Aggies dropped a game on the road Monday afternoon after Albertville plated three runs in the bottom of the third to build a big lead and they couldn’t get the bats going to chip away.

Fairview recorded just two hits in the loss, coming from Dayne Black and Jarrett Miller. The Aggies will try to bounce back when they host Hanceville on Tuesday.

West Point 9 – Wilson 0 (boys’ tennis)

The West Point Warriors improved to 5-0 Monday night when they knocked off Wilson 9-0 at home and they will look to win their sixth straight when they travel to Fayette County on Tuesday.

Cullman 6 – West Point 2 (boys’ soccer)

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CATA medalists, left to right, were: Savannah Sivley, Desirae Corbin, Maria Cortes, Dakota McDaniel, Karli Marler, Zach Stallings, Lillian Kaiser, Zack Warner, Adolpho Resina and Avery Hill. Medalists Raven Aldridge, Grace Allbright and Mackenzie Jones are not pictured.

HANCEVILLE, Ala. - High school students from across the region came together for the Northeast Alabama SkillsUSA Conference Friday at Wallace State. The conference featured competitions in numerous technical fields.  Cullman area students enrolled in technical programs at the Cullman Area Technology Academy (CATA) brought home their share of gold, silver and bronze medals, including:

• Raven Aldridge - Welding
• Grace Allbright - Auto Mechanics
• Desirae Corbin - Auto Mechanics
• Maria Cortes - Cosmetology
• Avery Hill - Welding
• Mackenzie Jones - Construction
• Lillian Kaiser - Cosmetology
• Karli Marler - Construction
• Dakota McDaniel - Construction
• Adolpho Resina - Construction
• Savannah Sivley - Cosmetology
• Zach Stallings - Construction
• Zack Warner - Construction

Welding Instructor Jacob Ayers, Building Construction Instructor Mike Burkett and Cosmetology Instructor Tasha Flanigan accompanied the CATA SkillsUSA team to Wallace.  

Burkett added commendations for three of his students who didn’t finish in the medals: “While I am very proud of all of our CATA student winners, I am especially proud of three students who chose very difficult competitions (Applied Technical Math and Job Interview).  They are Seth Walker from Cold Springs High School, Alex Black from Holly Pond High School and KC Lenz from West Point High School. These three students chose to compete in extremely difficult categories for their own personal learning, and although they did not place, they advanced their career skills and personal growth greatly and I deeply respect them for that.”

Flanigan, whose students brought home gold and silver medals Friday right on the heels of first- and second-place finishes in regional competition at Bevill State last week, told The Tribune, “I’m so excited for everyone!  This is great; it’s great! They worked very hard; everybody put everything they had into it. It was a great day for us.”

Said Ayers, “I’m super proud of all of them; they worked hard.  Very deserving, ready for state!”

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

Sam Franklin (1) shoots for the back of the net during Cullman's 6-2 win over West Point Monday night. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala.– The Bearcats hosted the West Point Warriors on the turf at Oliver Woodard Stadium Monday night and the home-standing ‘Cats collected a 6-2 win over the Warriors. Cullman scored in the opening minutes of the game and West Point responded with a goal just a couple of minutes later, but the Bearcats outscored the Warriors 5-1 the rest of the way to pick up the win.

Juan Sheffield racked up four goals in the win for Cullman, and Greyson Gerding and Mitchell Perez added goals as well. Eduardo Fuentes led the Bearcats with three assists, followed by Washington Sheffield with two assists and Sam Franklin with one. Eli Borden and Jorge Perez both collected a save in the win as well.

Logan Selby knocked in both goals for West Point, and Axel Roman picked up an assist.

Cullman Head Coach Casey Harbin was happy with how his squad performed against a solid West Point team and said he thinks the game could lead to more improvement down the road.

“I’m proud of how we played. We stuck to how we have been practicing and it paid off. We finally showed everyone the team that we can be going forward,” Harbin said. “West Point is well-coached and could be a program to watch.”

The Bearcats will try to stay on the winning side of things when they travel to Sparkman on Tuesday, and the Warriors will try to bounce back at this weekend’s Cullman County Cup starting Friday afternoon.

J.B. Pennington 4 – St. Bernard 3 (boys’ soccer)

Carson Holmes, Alex Shoof and John Rose each netted a goal in the Saints’ loss to J.B. Pennington.

St. Bernard 4 – J.B. Pennington 2 (girls’ soccer)

Bridget Gallegos scored two goals in the win for the Lady Saints, and Dani Hernandez and Aria McMillan each added a goal as well.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cullman Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

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

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

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

“Captain Marvel” is written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck and stars Brie Larson as the titular new addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Larson is joined by a familiar face from the MCU, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. Since the film is set in 1995, Jackson’s face was digitally altered to appear younger for the entire runtime; Marvel has perfected this technique ever since it first appeared in 2015’s “Ant-Man.” Jude Law stars as Yon-Rogg, a Kree special forces commander.

The film opens on the Kree home world and immediately we are introduced to a more civilized and subdued portion of the Kree Empire than the one we see in 2014’s “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Carol Danvers, aka Captain Marvel, is a Kree soldier in Yon-Rogg’s unit and the opening mission of the film kicks the plot into gear.

Carol has always had questions about her past and fragmented memories, but once she reaches Earth, she begins to put the pieces together and we follow her along the way. We’re also introduced to a new species of the Marvel Universe, the Skrulls. The Skrulls are shapeshifting aliens who defeat their enemies through infiltration rather than force, and their abilities make for some cool scenes with surprises and twists throughout the film.

The best thing this newest MCU instillation has going for it is the chemistry between Nick Fury and Carol Danvers. For most of the second act, they have a buddy cop dynamic that is fun to watch and establishes a relationship that comes into play after the credits of “Avengers: Infinity War.” Fury’s latest depiction doesn’t really mesh with any of the others we have seen in earlier MCU films, but it makes for a fun supporting character in this one.

Where the film is lacking is its characterization of Carol Danvers. It’s understandable that she would be kind of a blank slate in the earlier parts of the movie because she’s still learning who she is, but by the end, she is essentially the same person she was when we met her. “Captain Marvel” feels a lot like a phase one MCU film in the vein of “Captain America: The First Avenger” and “Thor,” but unlike those films, we didn’t really get to know the main character. Thor, Steve Rogers, Tony Stark and several others were given very clear, character building arcs in their introductions, but Carol’s isn’t quite there. She’s funny and powerful, but once she discovers more about her past, it doesn’t seem to affect her personality or her emotions. Larson still gives a solid performance in a solid film, but if the MCU origin movies are meant to be built on the main character, “Captain Marvel” comes up just short among the others.

Overall, it feels like this film had to be made because Carol Danvers needs to be part of “Avengers: End Game,” but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth seeing. There are several fun surprises that come from the Skrulls, lots of MCU Easter eggs to look and listen for, and as you would expect, some very fun action sequences. It’s not one of the best, but this latest addition to the MCU should be enough to hold you over until the Avengers re-assemble in April.

Griffin’s Score: 7/10

Image courtesy of Marvel Studios

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Siblings Marcia Tillman, “High Pockets” Drummond and Janet Jean enjoy a laugh Thursday at the Cullman Bowling Center. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - With just a few weeks left in its winter bowling season, the Cullman Senior Bowling League welcomes anyone older than 50 to register for the upcoming season beginning in early May. Seniors of all skill levels are welcome to join in on the Thursday afternoon fun at the Cullman Bowling Center.

Babe Koorndyk, 94, recently moved to Double Springs from southern California. Babe is still scoring strikes and making tons of new friends.

Koorndyk has been bowling all her life and said, “I was with my bowling group in California, but I’m having a great time with my new league. Everybody in Alabama is friendly.”

Neil Campbell has been an important part of the league and served as its president for many years. Having just lost his wife Clara less than a week ago, Campbell said he was at the bowling center to be with those he and Clara spent much of their lives with.

Said Campbell, “Clara was a star bowler-a great bowler. She won some events on the national level.”

The Campbells and bowling friends Harold and Bertha Jones began bowling in Cullman 22 years ago. They bowled together at Pine Bowl in Fultondale for many years, but chose to join Cullman when Pine Bowl was closed. Campbell appeared to enjoy being with his bowling family although he was just there to watch.

He shared, “I stopped bowling two years ago when Clara could no longer bowl. Now that she has passed, I might give it a try again.”

The Joneses we’re joined by their daughter, Sharon Camp.

While many participate in the team bowling, several just come for the laughs and fellowship. “High Pockets” Drummond was cracking jokes and having a great time as his sisters, Marcia Tillman and Janet Jean, competed with their friends. They take the bowling seriously, but say having a great time is the priority. 

Senior League President Zelda Turner hopes more people will join in on the league, saying, “We have such a good time. We are competitive, but we welcome everyone. Some average in the 90s while others are in the 200s, and that’s fine. We have three-person teams with all combos and we make the teams fair.”

Turner said some have been bowling for years, some haven’t bowled in years, adding “It’s great exercise and it’s important for us to stay active. It’s great physically, mentally and socially.”

The Cullman Senior Bowling League is a sanctioned league. The league is Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. at the Cullman Bowling Center. For more information, email Turner at turner.accounting.1040@gmail.com or contact the Cullman Bowling Center at 256-734-2600 or www.facebook.com/CullmanBowlingCenter.

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

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

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

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

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

Festival schedule 

10-11 a.m. Celtic Doggie Parade

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8th grade

First Place - West Point MS

Second Place - Vinemont MS

Third Place - Good Hope MS

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

7th grade

First Place - West Point MS

Second Place - Hanceville MS

Third Place - Holly Pond MS

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

6th grade

First Place - Fairview MS

Second Place - Good Hope MS

Third Place - West Point MS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other business 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Look for more details today.

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HANCEVILLE, ALA. -- Wallace State’s baseball team opened conference play with a four-game sweep against Calhoun over the weekend. The Lions’ pitching staff set the tone during the entire series.

Sophomore Garrett Brown and freshman Jerry Dale Bowman each recorded complete-game wins in the opening games in Decatur as Wallace State (8-5, 4-0 Alabama Community College Conference) prevailed 7-3 and 6-0. Robert Coleman added a complete-game effort of his own at home in a 13-3 win, and Dalton Hall and Taylor Goodwin combined to throw a five-inning no-hitter in the series finale, a 10-0 victory.

In the series opener, Brown (1-0) struck out 11 batters in his complete game.

Wallace State freshman Ty Hill finished with a pair of doubles and five RBIs for Wallace State in the win, and Noah Fondren recorded a multi-hit game. Brennan McCollough singled and scored twice, Kevin Dowdell had a double and a run scored, Brady Sherrill singled and scored and Collin Rogers added an RBI single.

In the second game, Bowman (3-0) shut out the Warhawks, striking out five batters across his two-hitter.

Kirk and Haney blasted homers for Wallace State. Haney added a double among his three hits.

Sherrill and Hill each registered RBIs in the win, Rogers had two hits and scored a run and McCollough singled and scored.

In a 13-3 win at home, Kirk finished 3-for-4 with an RBI, Dowdell added two doubles, three RBIs and three runs scored and Fondren contributed a double, among his two hits, and three RBIs. Hill singled and scored three runs, David Rutledge had a double, two RBIs and scored two runs, Sherrill added an RBI single and Haney had a single and scored a pair of runs. McCollough singled and scored and Rogers scored two runs.

Coleman (2-1) allowed three runs on five hits, striking out six.

In the series finale, Hall went the first four innings, striking out eight Calhoun batters. Goodwin capped off the no-hitter with a scoreless inning.

Kirk added his second homer of the series, finishing with a pair of hits and three RBIs. McCollough was 3-for-4 with two runs scored, Sherrill had two hits, two RBIs and a run scored and Trevor Houston contributed a pair of hits, including a double, and three RBIs.

Fondren and Haney each added a double for Wallace State and Rogers tallied a single and two runs scored.

Wallace State continues conference action this week, hosting Lawson State for a doubleheader on Thursday beginning at 2 p.m.

No. 9 Wallace State softball goes 5-0 over weekend

Wallace State’s 9th-ranked softball team continues to roll. The Lions registered five wins at the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Leadoff Classic over the weekend.

Wallace State has won eight consecutive games, improving to 25-3 on the season.

Wallace State sophomore pitcher Mabry Norris was named to the All-Tournament team after tossing a pair of shutouts against Lansing Community College and Illinois Central College. Norris, a Jasper native, struck out eight batters over the 14-inning, scoreless stretch.

The Lions opened the tournament with a 5-0 win over Northwest Florida State College as Meagan Schwieterman tallied one of her best outings of the season, tossing a one-hitter. The sophomore from Guntersville struck out seven.

Freshman Callie Ryan finished with a pair of hits and two RBIs and Alysia Anderson added a single and a pair of RBIs. Keeli Bobbitt and Sydney McKissick each singled and scored a run and Addie Robinson added an RBI single.

Behind Norris (7-0), the Lions followed with a 2-0 win over Lansing Community College.

Bobbitt finished 3-for-3 at the plate with an RBI and a run scored. Chaney Phillips had two hits, including a double, and scored a run and Anderson added a multi-hit effort. McKissick and Kaley Anthony each added a single and Ryan notched an RBI.

In a 7-5 win over Rock Valley College, Ryan cranked her first career homer for Wallace State, finishing with three hits, three runs scored and two RBIs.

Sidney Edwards went a perfect 3-for-3 with an RBI, Robinson had a pair of singles and an RBI and Anthony added a run-scoring single. Kalynn Holcomb registered a double, Bobbitt had a single and scored a run and Anderson singled and scored two runs.

McKissick had two singles and three RBIs in a 5-1 victory over Lansing. Ryan and Phillips each contributed and RBI for the Lions, and Lauren Keplinger was the winning pitcher, moving the sophomore to 6-0 on the hill.

The Lions wrapped up the tournament with Norris’ shutout against Illinois Central College. Ryan was 4-for-4 for Wallace State, while McKissick, Anthony and Edwards registered RBIs. Anthony had three singles and McKissick had two. Robinson added two singles.

Wallace State travels to Itawamba CC on Tuesday and Chattanooga State on Thursday.

For more information about Wallace State athletics, visit www.athletics.wallacestate.edu or the athletics Facebook page at www.wallacestate.edu/athleticsfb.

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