Local News
Local Red Cross chapter gets new director with familiar face
CULLMAN — New Cullman County Red Cross Director Mike Bates is hoping his past success as a coach will translate into future success for the community.
Bates was hired by the Cullman County Red Cross board of directors this week, following nearly a month-long search after former director Kenneth Kilgo stepped down to pursue a career in politics.
Bates has spent 26 years of his life as a high school head football coach and teacher at Cullman High School, as well as schools in Winston County and other areas. At his most recent coaching stop at St. Paul’s Episcopal High School in Mobile, Bates won a state championship and coached current University of Alabama back-up quarterback A.J. McCarron.
A lot of the traits learned as a coach and teacher should translate well into the Red Cross organization, Bates said.
“I went to the Red Cross regional meeting and they talked a lot about teamwork and what it takes to succeed,” he said. “A lot of those things are also important to be a successful coach.”
Though he doesn’t have any former experience as a volunteer for the Red Cross, Bates said he has worked with the organization on numerous occasions in other capacities.
“We had a lot of dealings with the Red Cross in the schools, but it was always in the peripheral,” he said.
As director, Bates said he hopes to be able to give even more back to the community.
“Doing something like this, you’re really in a position to make a difference in people’s lives,” he said. “That’s what I want to do. It’s great, because Cullman is a very progressive town as far as helping people.”
Though he is fairly new to the job, Bates said he is already making plans for the local Red Cross chapter.
“Right now, we’re just going to be working to make the Red Cross more visible and be in a position financially and personnel-wise to help people,” he said. “We want to keep incorporating our Winston County coverage and just keep on providing services for people.”
Brett Adams, chairman of the Cullman County Red Cross board of directors, said Bates brings some great abilities to the position.
“He’s an incredible person, an educator and really brings a lot to the table,” he said. “One thing he has is a lot of experience in fundraising, and that’s one of the things we’re looking for in leadership ... I think he will be a great fit for the community.”
‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.
- Local News
-
-
East Elementary Named a 2010 Alabama Banner School
The Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools has named East Elementary as a 2010 CLAS Banner School.
-
Timing almost perfect for TV debut
We’ve all heard the old adage about “being in the right place at the right time.”
-
Annual fundraiser will be Feb. 15
The 7th Annual Empty Bowls of Cullman will be Monday, Feb. 15, 4:30-7 p.m. at Hearin Hall at First United Methodist Church’s Hearin Hall.
-
Darrell Hicks to seek county commission place 1 seat
Republican Darrell Hicks of Holly Pond joins a growing field of contenders hoping to replace an incumbent seeking a second term to a seat on the Cullman County Commission.
-
Wayne Willingham to seek second term
Incumbent republican county commissioner Wayne Willingham announced Saturday he will run for a second term.
-
Clerk: Colony was close to bankruptcy
According to town clerk Kristie Williams, the town of Colony came close to bankruptcy.
-
Region commits to Auburn
Just days after hauling in a top-five signing class, Auburn made another splash in the recruiting world Saturday morning by landing a commitment from Cullman High junior offensive lineman Spencer Region.
-
‘Survive’
More staff cuts could be on the way soon, as the Cullman county school system continues to grapple with a prorated state budget.
-
Bremen man arrested for marijuana distribution
A Cullman County man was recently arrested and charged for alleged marijuana distribution.
-
4 injured in separate I-65 accidents Thursday
Four people were injured in Cullman County on Thursday in two separate accidents on Interstate 65.
- More Local News Headlines
-
East Elementary Named a 2010 Alabama Banner School


