Local News
Willingham to run for state house
By Carolyn ArringtonThe local Republican breakfast and social was held Saturday morning at Jack’s Restaurant.
Cullman County Commissioner Wayne Willingham announced plans to run for replacement of Neal Morrison, D-Cullman, as state representative. Morrison recently resigned from the legislative position, and a special election will be held to fill his vacant seat in the House of Representatives, District 12.
Willingham said, “This will be a short, quick campaign and we’ll have to work fast and hard to win.”
Vicki Drummond of Jasper announced she has plans to run as National Republican Committeewoman, representing Alabama, and will send out a letter of intent next week. Drummond said, “I will make the democrat candidate my opponent, not republican candidates.”
Republican breakfast chair Joyce West recognized several members of the military who were present, including Garry Marchman and Jeanna Blicker.
Also mentioned in recognition of attendance were Jeremy Oden, R-Cullman, State Representative; Judge Terri Willingham Thomas; Republican District Vice Chairman Harold Sachs; Cullman County Commissoner Chairman Wiley Kitchens; and West Point Mayor, Kenneth Kilgo.
Guest Speaker was Luther Strange, 2006 Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Alabama. He spoke about the importance of organizing and maintaining grass-roots support of the Republican Party on the local level.
He said that even though there have been recent issues regarding some Republican elected officials, such as Idaho Republican Senator Larry Craig’s scandal, and controversy about the war in Iraq, he’s been speaking to local groups and encouraging people to stay involved at the community level and be optimistic.
Strange said, “In general, where does our party stand? Well, Bob Riley is the best governor we’ve ever had. It’ll be hard to replace him in three years, and we need to find someone like Riley to be the turning point for our next election.”
In the last few years Strange said he’s been involved in economic development for the state of Alabama. “I grew up with wonderful, hardworking parents, but we were not given anything. My parents worked hard, and I have too, all my life. I believe that giving people the opportunity to work and support their family is one of the most important necessities in life. Bringing more economic development into a region, as you have done here in Cullman County, is a way to offer more folks good jobs.”
Speaking about educational issues, he said, “The junior college problems we’ve had lately, it’s a watershed issue which just highlights legislature problems.”
Afterward, Jeanna Blicker with the Army National Guard, spoke briefly.
“I just returned from Iraq and the morale is still high among our military over there, especially the Marines,” she said. “But it makes me mad, sick when I hear politicians in Washington say they could do a better job over there. If they can do that, then take themselves there right now and do it!”
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Fugitive alleged child molester found
A Cullman County man who has been on the run since he was accused of molesting a child in 2006, was found in Mississippi Tuesday.
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Man arrested for impersonating deputy
A local man who allegedly impersonated a Cullman County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested by a real one Thursday.
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Possible homicide in Fairview
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a possible homicide, which occurred in Fairview Friday.
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Residents tour local farm, industries
The Cullman County Farm-City committee held their annual tour Thursday and toured Birmingham Fastener, Tinney Farms and the Cullman Stockyard.
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Veterans Day celebration starts Saturday morning
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Hanceville police recover active meth lab, stolen property in home
Two Hanceville men are behind bars after police allegedly recovered a working meth lab and about $20,000 worth of stolen property Wednesday from a local residence.
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City: Water meets all standards
As far as Cullman city officials are concerned, they provide some of the highest-quality water in the area.
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Sumiton fugitive returned to Cullman to face charges
A Sumiton man who eluded about 50 area law enforcement officers during an April manhunt, only to be arrested in Walker County in July, was recently returned to Cullman County to face charges.
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Cleaning up
Nearly half a dozen workers have spent time at Cullman Memory Gardens this week, mowing and trimming a cemetery that has largely been neglected the past year.
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Baileyton receives grant for electrical problems at park
The town of Baileyton has received the Land and Water Conservation Grant from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).
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Fugitive alleged child molester found
