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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Signing on
Four local water authority representatives signed contracts Tuesday to join with the city of Cullman’s Duck River dam reservoir project.
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Signing on
Four local water authority representatives signed contracts Tuesday to join with the city of Cullman’s Duck River dam reservoir project.
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Smith Lake residents split on water plans
Residents on Smith Lake seem to be spilt which secondary water source would be best for Cullman County.
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Couple arrested for chemical endangerment of children
Cullman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two Berlin residents Saturday for allegedly keeping meth and syringes near two children.
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Accreditation answer coming by early 2010
The Cullman County Board of Education took a step closer to district accreditation this week, though it will be next year until they know if their request is approved.
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Robots fight to win
Holly Pond High School freshman Jordan Dover was excited when she had the opportunity to get involved with the Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) robotics competition.
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ServSafe Program becomes mandatory Jan. 1, 2010
The Cullman County Health Department is sponsoring a ServSafe food safety class Nov. 17-20 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Grumpy’s Pizza.
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Holly Pond trying to save students from addiction
If Karen Rowell can reach just one student, she will be satisfied.
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Water on the brain
The City of Cullman and the Cullman County Commission have their own proposals for a second water source for the area, and neither group has shown signs of relenting to the other’s plan.
But after Monday, that could change. -
City OKs junk rules
Cullman residents with very high grass and “junked up” property could soon be fined, as the city council has now adopted a revamped nuisance ordinance.
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