CULLMAN — Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:



Weather:



Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy, with a low around 38. Calm wind.



Best bets for today:



CERA: The Cullman Education Retirees Association will meet at 11 a.m. at the Benedictine Sisters Retreat Center, 916 Convent Road NE, Cullman 35055. Speaker will be Carol Berry from Restoring Women Outreach.



Of note:



Hospice to stock Lesa’s pantry: This holiday season help CRMC’s Hospice of Cullman County feed the patients and their families by donating non-perishable food items during the Holiday Food Drive through Dec. 31. The Lesa Lang Holland Hawkins Food Bank is named in honor of the beloved Hospice of Cullman County social worker that worked tirelessly to provide for all hospice patients and their families. Drop boxes for food locations are in the lobbies of POBs 1, 2 and 3 at Cullman Regional Medical Center; the main entrance at the hospital; Piggly Wiggly of Highway 157; and Warehouse Discount Grocery on Highway 157. Items needed are soups, instant oatmeal, canned goods; and other easy-to-prepare non-perishable food items. For more information, contact Hospice of Cullman County Office at 256-739-5185.



For Kids’ Sake auditions: Auditions for the 2013 Bownes Memorial For Kids Sake variety show will be Nov. 15 and Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CRMC’s POB II in the Col. Cullmann Room. Cullman County students ages four through 20 will have 2 minutes for solo performers and 3.5 minutes for groups of two or more. Cost to audition is $30/individual; $60/groups. Fee is tax-deductible. Bring a complete entry/audition form to the audition location on one of the two dates. Performers should wear costume for audition that will be worn for actual performance on Feb. 16, 2013. Also, same talent should be performed for audition and show. Performers must bring own queued music CD or tape. Those needing a keyboard for their audition should make their request to  the CRMC Foundation at 256-737-2565. All proceeds from the show will go to benefit the nursery and pediatric care at Cullman Regional Medical Center.



Sacred Hearts’ “sketti” and turkey bazaar: The annual spaghetti supper and turkey bazaar at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 17, sponsored by Altar Society. Carryout or eat in at the Family Life Center. Cost is $8/adult, $4/child. Menu: spaghetti, hot German slaw, bread, dessert and beverage. Tickets may be purchased ahead or night of. Proceeds to go to upkeep of Sacred Heart and church community projects.



10 Things to Know for Today

By The Associated Press

Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about today:

1. WHAT OBAMA HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE PETRAEUS SCANDAL

The president will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m., but it’s not clear if he’ll address whether national security had been threatened.

2. THE WOMAN IN THE EYE OF THE STORM

Florida socialite Jill Kelley wonders in a 911 call if her “honorary consul general” title affords her “diplomatic protection” from the media.

3. WHOM OBAMA IS LOBBYING TO AVOID THE ‘FISCAL CLIFF’

He is turning to business and labor groups to support his plan, which includes requiring the wealthy to pay more in taxes.

4. ACCUSER OF ELMO PUPPETEER RECANTS

As he now says their relationship was adult and consensual, the question is: Why did he initially allege there was teen sex?

5. HOW SYRIAN OPPOSITION HOPES TO STAY IN THE GAME

The selection of a moderate cleric as the group’s leader is an attempt to counter the growing influence of Islamic extremists in the rebellion against Assad.

6. A FLIGHT TO AN FAA SAFETY CONFERENCE ENDS TRAGICALLY

All three pilots aboard a single-engine plane are killed when it crashes into a Jackson, Miss., house.

7. STRIKES BREAK OUT ACROSS EUROPE

Workers are uniting to protest raging unemployment and factories shutting down.

8. HU STEPS DOWN AS CHINA’S LEADER

Vice President Xi Jinping will be presented as the Communist Party head when the new leadership is announced Thursday.

9. WHERE A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR COSTS $5

Patients line up outside Russell Dohner’s Rushville, Ill., practice where the 87-year-old physician won’t take insurance, just a five-spot.

10. MARLINS’ TRADE MEANS THREE STARS FOR BLUE JAYS

Florida decided last year’s spending spree didn’t work so Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Josh Johnson are all going to Toronto.