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

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

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

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

Rock the South parking and traffic flow

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

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

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

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

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CULLMAN, Ala. – Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 12, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

No incidents or arrests reported.

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

March 11

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

Arrests

March 11

Ciara D. Gilland, 26

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

Corey D. Thomason, 28

• violation of protection order

Nathaniel J. Cook, 24

• FTA- running a stop sign

Missy L. Knight, 28

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

The Lady Raiders huddle up before taking the field during their 11-0 win over Fairview on Tuesday. (Sammy Confer for The Cullman Tribune)

GOOD HOPE, Ala. - Fairview traveled to Good Hope Tuesday afternoon for a matchup against the Lady Raiders and the home team wound up cruising to an 11-0 win.

Good Hope took advantage of a Fairview error to plate their first run of the game with a Bailey Swann RBI infield single. Sidnie English added a sacrifice fly and Swann later stole home to make it 3-0 after the opening frame.

Good Hope added to their lead in the bottom of the second on a Morgan Goodwin RBI bunt single and a Jacqueline Hays RBI infield single. Goodwin wound up scoring on a throwing error to make it 6-0. Angelina Flanagan hit a one-out single to left field and later scored on a passed ball to increase the Lady Raider lead to 7-0. 

The Lady Aggies looked to get something going in the top of the fourth as a pair of singles got them going with two outs, but English got Devan Fulmer to fly out to left field to get out of the inning. The Lady Raiders put up four more runs in their half when Goodwin scored on a throwing error, Hays scored on a passed ball, English added a sacrifice fly and Flanagan hit an RBI single to make it 11-0. English worked around a triple from Kennedy Johnson to help preserve the 11-0 shutout victory after five innings.

Goodwin (scored three runs), Hays (scored two runs) and Flanigan (one run scored) each finished with a pair of hits and an RBI for Good Hope (10-3). Swann added a hit, an RBI and scored two runs while English chipped in with an RBI. English pitched a three-hit shutout and struck out four for The Lady Raiders and they will try to keep things rolling when they host Brewer on Wednesday. 

Daisy Manasco, Rebekah Deblanc, and Johnson collected the only hits of the game for Fairview (1-6). The Lady Aggies will look to rebound from this loss as they will host Cold Springs on Thursday. 

Other Tuesday night scores:

Holly Pond 15 – Vinemont 0 (softball) Game 1

The Lady Broncos put up 15 runs in the first two innings to cut this one short and win easily over the visiting Vinemont Lady Eagles. Kalliann Perkins led the game with three RBIs after going 2-for-3 at the plate and Mattie Earl, Lexy Smith and Emili Perry each finished just behind her with two RBIs. Ciera James (two hits) and Kaylee Stallings (one hit) both drove in a run as well. Maddie Oliver recorded the only hit of the game for Vinemont.

Holly Pond 12 – Vinemont 8 (softball) Game 2

Like they did in the first game, the Lady Broncos built a large, early lead after plating nine runs in the first two innings. However, the Lady Eagles would not be shut out this time and tacked on two runs in the third and three more in the fifth, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Holly Pond and Vinemont fell on the road 12-8.

Raleigh Olinger led the Lady Broncos at the plate, finishing 3-for-3 and Samantha Giles (one RBI) and Cidney Hays (two RBIs) finished just behind her with two hits each. Hailee Moore went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for the Lady Eagles and Emilie Hoffman collected two hits as well.

West Point 13 – Arab 1 (softball)

After being held scoreless for the first two innings, the Lady Warriors plated 13 runs in the third, fourth and fifth to put the Lady Knights away early. Carlie Wilkins finished 3-for-3 at the plate with three RBIs and Molly Pendley finished with three RBIs as well after hitting a 3-run bomb in the fifth inning. Makayla Brown (two RBIs), Gracie Abbot (two RBIs), Bethany Minck (one RBI) and Braelee Quinn (one RBI) each collected two hits in the win.

Cullman 9 – Curry 7 (softball)

The Lady Bearcats jumped out to a 7-0 lead early in this one and the Lady Yellow Jackets made a late push to tie the game but couldn’t chip away at the lead and Cullman held on to win it 9-7. Brandy Peoples racked up a game-high six RBIs in the win thanks in large part to a grand slam in the second inning. Savannah Davis, Alex Stansell (one RBI) and Carlie Burnham (one RBI) each collected a pair of hits for the Lady Bearcats.

Falkville 4 – Meek 2 (softball)

After falling behind 4-0 in the third inning, the Lady Tigers began to chip away at the lead in the the sixth but couldn’t quite overcome the lead and the Lady Blue Devils held on to win it 4-2. Abby Phillips put together a stellar performance at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two RBIs in the loss.

Oakman 5 - Cold Springs 0 (softball)

West Point 10 – Danville 0 (baseball)

The Warriors built an early lead in the first two innings of this one to take control and tacked on five more runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to run-rule the Hawks and head home with a 10-0 win. Blake Diestelow went all six innings on the hill for West Point and put together a no-hitter against Danville, collecting six strikeouts in the win. Eli Folds led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4 with and RBI and Hunter Persall and Whitt Laney finished just behind him with two hits and an RBI of their own.

Haleyville 6 – Cullman 2 (baseball)

The Lions put the Bearcats in a hole early after jumping out to a 4-0 advantage in the first two innings and Cullman was never able to chip away enough to overcome the lead and fell on the road 6-2. Brennen Norton (one RBI) and Cooper Beck both recorded two hits in the game for the Bearcats.

Vinemont 3 – Holly Pond 1 (baseball)

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GOOD HOPE, Ala.– Fairview traveled to Good Hope Tuesday night for a pair of varsity soccer matchups and went home with a pair of wins. The Lady Aggies defeated the Lady Raiders 4-0 and the Aggies edged out Good Hope in the boy’s matchup 3-2.

Greta Bishop, Emma Gardner, Sarah Schaefers and Jasmine Cortes scored the goals for the Lady Aggies in their win while a goal from Bailey Byrd and two goals from AB Diaz lifted the Aggies over the Raiders. Oscar Moreno and Andres Aguilar each scored a goal for Good Hope in the loss.

Fairview will try to stay in the win column win it travels to play Brewer on Thursday and Good Hope will try to bounce back and respond on Thursday when it travels to Etowah.

Other Tuesday night scores:

Sparkman 10 – Cullman 0 (varsity boys)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winston County Farmers Federation President Darrell Lee agreed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cold Springs' Elizabeth Hill (left) and Camryn Crider (right) both finished as finalists for the 2A Girls Player of the Year and Miss Basketball after phenomenal seasons. (Photos by Martha Needham for The Cullman Tribune)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Cold Springs' Camryn Crider and Elizabeth Hill both put together huge seasons for the Lady Eagles and they've already racked up a plethora of awards thus far, including first-team spots on the All-State team. Now they are heading to Montgomery as two of the three finalists for this year’s Miss Basketball award and the 2A Girls Player of the Year award.

Crider and Hill earned a pair of spots at the annual basketball awards luncheon, which will take place at the downtown Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery on March 26. They will join their fellow finalists for this year’s State Player of the Year and Mr. and Miss Basketball awards.

Crider finished out her Cold Springs career in style by breaking the state record for most 3-pointers in a season, finishing with 157, tying the state record by making 13 treys in a single game. She now holds the state record for most 3-pointers in a single quarter. Crider knocked down seven in the first quarter of Cold Springs' 84-20 rout of Southeasten in January. She was also honored with the Bill Shelton Award at this year’s county tournament along with a place on the All-County team. Crider ended this season with 2,002 career points and was selected to both the Northwest Regional and 2A State All-Tournament teams.

Hill battled through some injuries to have a great season as well, collecting All-County honors along with being named to the Northwest Regional All-Tournament team and the 2A State All-Tournament team. Hill earned MVP honors in both the Northwest Regional Tournament and Class 2A State Tournament. She finished her junior season with one of her best performances of the year, posting 30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks in the Lady Eagles' 57-53 win over Fyffe in the Class 2A state championship game, where the team earned its first title since 2009. Hill was also selected to participate in this year’s North-South All-Star Basketball Game in July.

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CULLMAN, Ala.– Below are the arrests and incidents reported on March 13, 2019. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

GJ = grand jury; FTA = failure to appear

Cullman County Sheriff’s Office

No incidents or arrests reported.

Cullman Police Department

Incidents

March 10

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

March 12

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

Arrests

Alley, Lindsey E., 32

• possession of drug paraphernalia

Speakman, Tyler L., 24

• third-degree criminal trespassing
• attempting to elude

Stacy, Johnny D., 54

• public intoxication
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Wingo, Linda F., 46

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

Teague, Tanya M., 49

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

Cardwell, Candice S., 37

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

Runyon, Jeremy A., 31

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

Bailey, Ashley C., 33

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

McKenzie, Cameron B., 24

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

Walmsley, Cody J., 19

• obstructing government operations
• attempting to elude
• FTA- second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana
• possession of drug paraphernalia

Woody, Antonia M. Jr., 19

• fourth-degree theft of property

Hanceville Police Department

No incidents or arrests reported.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Dustin Sutherland

Aug. 29, 1980 - March 12, 2019

Complete arrangements and obituary information will be announced Thursday afternoon.

Elizabeth Ward, 77, of Double Springs, entered into rest on March 13, 2019 at Brookwood Medical Center in Birmingham, surrounded by her loved ones.

Elizabeth was born on Sept. 13, 1941.

A full obituary will be available on Thursday.

Rylan Jones (5) recorded three of West Point's five hits during its win over Springville Wednesday night. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)

WEST POINT, Ala. – The Springville Tigers made the trip to West Point Wednesday night for a matchup with the Warriors and neither team could decide things in seven innings. The Warriors were able to bring home the winning run in the bottom of the eighth inning to pick up a big, 3-2 win on their home field. 

West Point took an early 2-0 lead in the bottom of the first when a double from Rylan Jones brought Will Cochran and Hunter Persall home to score but the Tigers were able to tie cut into the lead with a run in the second.

After a few scoreless innings, Springville tied things up at 2 in the top of the fifth with an RBI single. Both defenses made quick work of the sixth and seventh innings and went into the eight still knotted at 2. Aubrey Cleghorn started the game on the hill for the Warriors and tossed seven innings, allowing just two runs on eight hits and collecting six strikeouts but it was Persall that took the mound for the top of the eighth inning.

The Tigers got two runners on base quickly but one of them was caught stealing home and Persall struck out a Springville batter to send the game into the bottom half of the inning still tied at 2.

Whitt Laney reached first base on a dropped third strike and he was able to move around into scoring position. Cochran came to the plate and knocked one into right field, but the Tigers’ right fielder couldn’t handle the play and Laney came home to score and seal the 3-2 win for West Point in walk-off fashion.

The Warriors posted just five hits in the win led by Jones who finished 3-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Persall and Cleghorn collected hits for West Point as well.

The Warriors will look to stay in the win column when they travel to Hueytown on Saturday.

Vinemont 10 – Addison 0 (baseball)

After three scoreless innings, the Eagles managed to bring 10 runs across the plate in the fourth and fifth innings to send the Bulldogs home early with a 10-0 loss. Clay Rogers tossed all five-shutout innings for Vinemont, allowing just two hits and collecting seven strikeouts in the win. Austin Riddle racked up a team-high three RBIs, followed by Issac Smith who went 1-for-3 at the plate with two RBIs. Rogers (one hit), Travis Hopper (one hit), Dalton Whitehead (one hit) and Colby Miller (one hit) each drove in a run for the Eagles as well.

Good Hope 15 – Brewer 7 (softball)

After falling behind 3-0 in the top of the first, the Lady Raiders plated seven runs in the second inning to take the lead for good and they pulled away to win it 15-7 at home. Sidnie English racked up three RBIs in the win for Good Hope and Bailey Swann finished just behind with two RBIs after going 3-for-4 at the plate.

Meek 8 – Addison 6 (softball)

The game was knotted at 2 after the first inning but the Lady Tigers put up six runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to pull away and knock off Addison 8-6. Emma Fincher led the way for Meek at the plate, going 3-for-4 with an RBI and Abby Phillips (two RBIs) and Bailee Fincher finished just behind her with two hits each. Madison Aderholt went 3-for-3 with two RBIs for the Lady Bulldogs in the loss.

New Hope 11 – Holly Pond 1 (softball)

The Lady Patriots put this one away early after jumping out to a 3-0 advantage in the opening frame and pulled away to knock off the Lady Broncos 11-1. Taylor Simmons, Lexy Smith, Madyson Rickman and Maddie Heatherly each collected a hit for Holly Pond in the loss.

Copyright 2019 Humble Roots, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

VINEMONT, Ala. - Willoughby Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. is relocating to South Vinemont from the city of Cullman. The Vinemont Town Council on Tuesday night approved a 10-year tax abatement for the company, which is currently located in south Cullman on Old Hanceville Highway. Work on the new location in Vinemont, a vacant property on U.S Highway 31 North near County Road 1301 which used to be the home to a drive-in theater, will begin over the next month according to Kyle Willoughby, the company’s vice president.

Cullman Economic Development Agency (CEDA) Economic Development & Incentives Manager Stanley Kennedy spoke on behalf of Willoughby Roofing at Tuesday’s meeting in Vinemont. He estimated that 35 employees will be working at the new location. Some manufacturing of sheet metal and roofing products is planned as well. He said the roofing company contracts primarily for commercial jobs but hopes to open a retail location for local buyers.

Vinemont Mayor Radginal “Reggie” Dodson said, “Basically, he wants the town to relinquish part of the monies we accept to entice them to come into our town. This is really normal and I see nothing wrong with it. They aren’t asking to just wipe out everything.”

Kennedy added, “Normal taxes would begin in 10 years unless there was a substantial expansion. We are not going to take educational funds for the kids. The company will stay pay all taxes related to education.”

Total taxes abated over the 10-year period are estimated at $49,766 ($20,700 in sales tax, $4,266 in use tax and $24,800 in ad valorem tax).

Willoughby Roofing’s current property in south Cullman is landlocked, hindering future expansion. The South Vinemont property will allow room for growth and also allow room for Willoughby’s trucks and equipment. Kennedy said the company will work to make renovations to the property, potentially increasing its value. 

“Over the next month, we’ll begin work on the property so we can move,” said Willoughby. “We’re trying to hire as many good sheet metal workers and commercial roofers as we can.”

Willoughby said the company is looking to hire 10 to 20 additional workers.

“We’re excited about being out there with more land,” he said.

Willoughby Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc is a family-owned business started in 1946. Originally Willoughby Construction Company, it was founded by O.M. Willoughby. Willoughby Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc, was established in 1981.

The council also authorized Dodson to sign paperwork related to the Shaddix Company, which announced last month that it is relocating to South Vinemont. The council voted in favor of applying for a Community Development Block Grant.

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CULLMAN, Ala. - Cullman’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Celebration will take place this Saturday, March 16, with multiple events happening throughout the city.

The day’s festivities will kick off at East Elementary with the PTO’s Shamrock Shuffle 5K/1-Mile Color Run. Participants can register up to 30 minutes prior to the start of the races. The first 150 runners to finish will receive medals. The races begin at 8 a.m.

Following the races, the school will host a variety of kids’ activities. A sidewalk chalk drawing contest, food vendors, face painting, games and inflatables will be available until noon.

The Merchant Crawl will be taking place downtown from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Participants will need to pick up a punch card at East Elementary before 11 or at Karma’s Coffee House after 11. Fourteen merchants throughout the Warehouse District and downtown are part of the fun. With each purchase at a participating merchant, a participant’s punch card will receive one punch. Participants can get five punches in one or two locations or from five different merchants. Once the punch card has been punched five times, the cards can be returned to Karma’s where they will be entered for the drawing for a special gift basket. 

St. Patty’s in the Park kicks off at Depot Park at noon and lasts until 5 p.m. Sponsored by Clayton Homes, all proceeds will benefit nonprofit Victims Services of Cullman, Inc. Kids’ activities, a silent auction and raffle prizes are planned, as well as a packed lineup of live music. A variety of vendors, including food, will be at the park. One raffle ticket will be given to those who bring food donations. 

Goat Island Brewing will be hosting the pre-party and registration for the St. Patrick’s Pub Crawl. Those interested in the Pub Crawl can pre-register until noon on Friday at Goat Island for $15 or at the pre-party from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday night. You must be 21 to enter. Participants will receive a packet with a scorecard. 

Eight Cullman pubs and restaurants are participating in the crawl. All are located downtown, except Goat Island and Grumpy’s. Starting at 6 p.m., participants can visit the different establishments.

Wisener explained, “You go to as many bars and restaurants that you want to, and for every purchase you make, you draw from a deck of cards at that bar and put it on your scorecard.”

The event ends at Mae’s Food Hall with the Pub Crawl Post--Party from 10-11 p.m. The person who turns in the best five-card poker hand wins $250 cash. 

For those not interested in the Pub Crawl, each bar and restaurant will be offering St. Patrick’s Day specials for everyone.

Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism Marketing Coordinator Jasef Wisener said of this year’s celebration, “We are more of an umbrella for everything that’s happening. We wanted to do a Pub Crawl. Everything else, other than the Merchant Crawl, it’s an umbrella, so these events were going to be happening anyway. East Elementary was doing theirs and Victims Services was doing theirs and we really just wanted to do whatever we could to help out with promotion and bring more exposure. This is what we are good at. We are good at events. Even though we aren’t in charge of or planning a lot of these, having us handle the marketing for it is really helping everyone else. We are here to help everyone else out.”

Schedule of events

8-9 a.m.

EES PTO Shamrock Shuffle 5K/1-Mile Color Run

9 a.m.-noon

Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest

9 a.m.-noon

Kids' Activities at EES Playground (Inflatables, Face Painting, Games, Food Trucks)

11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Merchant Crawl

noon-6 p.m.

St. Patty's in the Park (Sponsored by Clayton Homes to Benefit Victim Services)

6-8 p.m.

Pub Crawl Pre-Party/Registration at Goat Island Brewing

6-10 p.m.

St. Patrick's Pub Crawl

10-11 p.m.

Pub Crawl Post-Party/Winner Announcement at Mae's Food Hall

Find out more at www.facebook.com/events/495671590957115.

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CULLMAN, Ala. - Two people have been arrested in connection with the March 1, 2019 robbery of the Woodforest National Bank in Cullman.

The Cullman Police Department (CPD) said one of the suspects was apprehended in Mississippi and the other is Kentucky.

"The case is still under investigation at this time," said CPD Sgt. Intae Suh. "The Cullman Police Department will be working in conjunction with the FBI on the investigation. Details on the apprehension will follow on a later date. The Cullman Police would like to thank the public for their help, and all other agencies involved in the investigation."

The armed robbery took place at the Woodforest National Bank inside Wal-Mart on Olive Street in Cullman. One suspect claimed to have a weapon and demanded money. He fled through the garden center and go away in a waiting sedan, driven by the second suspect.

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(left) This commemorative Alabama Bicentennial Blanton’s single barrel bourbon with custom gift box was one of 18 sold today at the Cullman ABC Store. The special bourbon was only available in 10 stores across the state. (right) Two single barrels were chosen for the Blanton’s limited edition Bicentennial bottles. The Cullman ABC Store has one of the empty barrels and will be giving the barrel away to one lucky winner. No purchase is necessary. Just stop by and enter your name. The store expects to draw the winner late Friday. (Christy Perry for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. - A crowd gathered outside of the Cullman ABC Store early Thursday morning in hopes of grabbing one of only 18 special bottles of Blanton’s single barrel bourbon. Buffalo Trace Distillery and the Alabama ABC Board partnered for the special commemorative release of the highly sought-after bourbon in recognition of Alabama’s 2019 Bicentennial. The 18 bottles sold out in minutes.

Cullman’s was one of only 10 ABC Stores chosen to carry the collectors’ edition bottles, all in custom gift boxes depicting Alabama images including the state flag and the Saturn V rocket. The bottles are marked with the Alabama 200 Bicentennial sticker.

The 18 bottles of Blanton’s sold out in minutes, but the award-winning Buffalo Trace Distillery also released commemorative bottles of its Jefferson Reserve and those are still available. Special barrels of Buffalo Trace and Weller Antique 107 bourbons were selected for the commemorative Jefferson Reserve bottles. 

Two single barrels were chosen for the Blanton’s limited edition Bicentennial bottles. The Cullman ABC Store has one of the empty barrels and will be giving the barrel away to one lucky winner. No purchase is necessary. Just stop by and enter your name. The store expects to draw the winner late Friday. 

Betty Childers, manager of the Cullman ABC Store, explained the enthusiasm for Blanton’s, saying, “It’s hard to get Blanton’s anyway. Blanton’s has a problem producing enough and we have customers call all the time just for that, but then they came out with that, ahhh! They were lined up. I got a text at 7 this morning and they were lined up. We had people come from out of town. They are collectors and that’s what they do.”

“Just like Buffalo Trace Distillery, Alabamians take great pride in their rich history and heritage,” said Mac Gipson, the Alabama ABC Board administrator. “The 200th anniversary of our state’s founding is another wonderful opportunity for Buffalo Trace and the Alabama ABC Board to collaborate on this one-of-a-kind commemorative release. Alabamians who enjoy Blanton’s or any of the other Buffalo Trace offerings will want to add this special 200th Anniversary release to their collection.”

Introduced in 1984 as the world’s first single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s is aged in Warehouse H at Buffalo Trace Distillery where Colonel Albert B. Blanton used to handpick “honey barrels” when entertaining important guests. The unique sphere-shaped bottles are capped with characteristic horse and jockey bottle stoppers, each marked with a single letter that spells Blanton’s when aligned. When placed in order, the stoppers depict the different stages of Kentucky’s most famous horse race, the Derby, from beginning to end.

In addition to Cullman, the Bicentennial bourbon was sold in Auburn, Muscle Shoals, Hoover, Guntersville, Montgomery,  Mobile, Dothan, Birmingham and Tuscaloosa.

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This home and property on County Road 617 in White City were damaged in a severe storm on Thursday. (Nick Griffin for The Cullman Tribune)

WHITE CITY, Ala. - Severe storms rolled through the state Thursday afternoon, and the community of White City in Cullman County was hit hard. The roof was torn off the White City Community Center and a home next door suffered substantial damage. Multiple trees were downed. The Cullman County Sheriff's Office also reported downed power lines.

Cullman Emergency Management Agency Director Phyllis Little reported a mobile home on County Road 609 damaged by a tree and downed trees on County Road 766 near Welti.

No injuries have been reported.

The Cullman County Commission has called an emergency meeting for Friday morning at 8 a.m., with Cullman County Attorney Chad Floyd saying, "This meeting is in response to the White City Community Center, a voting location. With next week's special election (March 19 school tax referendum) fast approaching, the commission will have to sign a resolution naming a new temporary voting location or next week."

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