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



Weather:



Today we have a slight chance of rain and snow showers after 3 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 10 percent.

Tonight, a chance of rain and snow before midnight, then a chance of snow. Cloudy, with a low around 30. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent. New snow accumulation of less than a half inch is possible.



Best bets:



Dinner, bake sale and a raffle: The Child Development Center’s annual fundraiser will consist of dinner from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today, along with a bake sale and raffle. The dinner is loaded jumbo potato with your choice of barbecue or chili, and a drink. Dine in or carry out. Raffle tickets are a $1 each and many items will be raffled throughout the evening. Also, a sale will be ongoing for those who’d like to take home some baked goodies.

The event will be held at the center, 17600 U.S. Highway 31, Cullman 35055; and all proceeds will benefit the center.



Jam session: The Town of South Vinemont will hold a jam session at 6 p.m. in the Cary C. Montgomery Scout Center, 88 Ridgeway St., Cullman 35058. Info: Town hall at 256-737-5411.



Looking ahead:



Little Miss Vinemont pageant: Vinemont Band Boosters will hold a pageant March 16, 2013, in the VHS gymnasium. Division winners will receive a crown, trophy and sash. Crowning follows each division. Open to girls from bith through 5 years (non student status); the kindergarten through fifth grade is Vinemont Elementary students only. Early entry fee is $40 and includes all side events. Preregistration is from 2 to 4 p.m. March 2, in the VHS lunchroom. Register the day of the pageant-$50. Discounts for sibling registrations. Deadline for mailed applications is March 8. Each applicant must supply at 3x5 or 8x10 unframed photo. Additional photos for entries are $5 each. Photos should be turned in or received by mail by noon at the school. Late photos will not be accepted for judging. Wardrobe up to contestants. Bring large SASE for score sheets after the pageant, if desired, or purchase one at the concession stand for $2. Child’s name and division must be printed on back of the envelope.Mail checks payable to: Vinemont Band Boosters Pageant, P.O. Box 294, Vinemont 35179. For more information, contact Jeri Lee at 256-339-1841 or jerilee.al@gmail.com or Valetta Baker at 256-339-4551 (no calls after 9 p.m.).



Rescue squad fundraiser: The Cullman County Rescue Squad will be going door-to-door through May 2013, requesting donations for the upkeep of their equipment, repairs on the rescue squad building, and operating expenses. They are asking for $40/household, and as a thank-you, they are offering a complimentary 10x13 color family portrait. Those that sign up for the offer will be notified of the date and time to be photographed. Receipts are available; or make your checks payable to the Cullman County Rescue Squad. Info: Captain Tim Willis at 256-736-4932 or 256-739-0786.



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. WHO’S RUNNING THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

With the pope’s retirement, ultimate power now resides with Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone and the College of Cardinals.

2. NO EXPECTATIONS OF BREAKTHROUGH AS CLOCK TICKS TOWARD SPENDING CUTS

Obama summons leaders from both parties to the White House to stake out their fiscal positions hours away from sequestration.

3. WHY ‘DIGITAL ASSETS’ ARE CAUSING A NATIONAL DEBATE

As more and more memories are stored online, families are seeking access to social media accounts that belong to their deceased loved ones.

4. HOW A MINNESOTA TOWN IS TACKLING GUN VIOLENCE

Police are setting up satellite offices in city’s public schools to discourage would-be armed attackers.

5. WHITE HOUSE BOLSTERS GAY MARRIAGE

The Obama administration, in a “friend-of-the-court” brief, urges the Supreme Court to allow same-sex unions to resume in California.

6. WORKPLACE BULLYING GETS HIGHER PROFILE

Advocacy groups and some employers are working to bring an end to toxic work environments.

7. AN UNLIKELY REBEL

The AP’s Ben Hubbard recounts the life and death in Syria of a veterinarian-turned-revolutionary fighter.

8. FOUL PLAY IS SUSPECTED IN PRIZED PET’S DEATH

Show dog owner is not ruling out that someone poisoned her Samoyed while it competed at the Westminster Kennel Club Show.

9. ANOTHER KIND OF BUZZ KILL

Two studies conclude that wild bees like the American bumblebee are, at least in the Midwest, dwindling at an alarming rate.

10. THE HEART OF A LION

France’s King Richard I, the 12th-century warrior known as Lionheart, ended up with a heart full of daisies, myrtle, mint and frankincense, an analysis of the embalmed organ shows.