With nearly a thousand local cases of abuse reported in 2015, the Cullman County Commission proclaimed April as Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Month.

Cullman Caring for Kids Director Javon Daniel delivered the startling statistic that 980 cases of child abuse and neglect were reported in Cullman County last year during the commission’s meeting Tuesday. In 2014, there was more than 800 cases of abuse and neglect reported in the county, and across Alabama, 13 children died as a result of abuse or neglect, he said.

“We have a problem, and the only ones who can solve it is us,” Daniel said. “The only way to solve it is to know more about it. If you see something, say something. If you see a child that is afraid to be with their parents, there’s a reason. If you see a child that’s afraid to go to school because they’ve got bruises all over look them, there’s a reason. Look for the reason.”

Every April, Cullman Caring for Kids hands out blue ribbons, and Brooks Place (Cullman County Child Advocacy Center) hosts events to raise community awareness about child abuse, including the Safe Kids Expo which will be Saturday, April 16 at Sportsman Lake Park.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call 1-800-4-A-CHILD or Cullman Caring for Kids at 256-739-1111.

In a separate matter, the county proclaimed Saturday, April 2, Colors of Cancer Day with the Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation. The non-profit will host an event which includes a 5K race, parade, drum line competition, balloon release and Cindy the Pink Firetruck at the Cullman County Fairgrounds.

Bosom Buddies helps local cancer patients with expenses and other needs. Mary Dyer, past president and founder of the non-profit group, thanked the commission for its support.

“This foundation is my heart,” Dyer said. “We saw a need to help the people of Cullman County who are struggling when they’re in treatment because they can’t pay their light bill, their rent or house payment. We don’t want to anyone have to go through treatment and not have hot water when they get home to take a bath.”

Commissioner Garry Marchman, who has battled lymphoma this past year, personally thanked the organization for helping patients struggling to make ends meet while undergoing treatment.

In other business, the Cullman County Commission:

* Approved minutes from March 8 meeting, appropriations, expenditures, payroll, requisitions and all journal entries to be posted.

* Authorized Chairman Kenneth Walker to sign closing documents for refinancing 2010 water warrants, totaling $6.6 million.

* Authorized Walker to sign software agreement with Nitorco, Inc. for Revenue Department, replacing the software from 1996.

* Approved paying Alabama Electrical Contractors $5,909 to replace of 5-ton air conditioning unit at the Cullman County Public Office Building.

* Authorized $24,682.16 payment to Association of County Commissions of Alabama for workers’ compensation.

* Appointed John Tucker County Safety Coordinator and Delitha Marchman Assistant Safety Coordinator with state-issued badges.

* Approved Festhalle Market Committee’s $3,000 request for seasonal operation for the 2016 market season.

* Declared surplus 2005 Chevrolet 1500 4X4 from the Water Department to be transferred to Smith Lake Park.

* Approved proposed plat for Stillhouse Point Subdivision on County Road 71. The roads associated with the development will not be accepted by the county for maintenance in the future, said County Engineer John Lang.

* Awarded bid for beverage services for county parks to Pepsi which will provide drink for three years with $42,000 in in-kind services included in the contract.

* Awarded $20,000 bid for 20-minute fireworks display at Smith Lake Park to Pyro Shows of Alabama. The annual fireworks show will be Saturday, July 2.

* Rejected bids for used railroad cars.

The Cullman County Commission will hold a work session 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 14, followed by its meeting at 10 a.m.

*Tiffeny Owens can be reached at 256-734-2131, ext. 135.