Road projects along Interstate 65 will likely cause some delays for commuters.

Local law enforcement agencies aren’t expecting the long Memorial Day weekend to yield an excess of mischievous behavior, but they’re still reminding Cullman County residents to exercise common sense if they’ll be out on local roads or enjoying some time on the water.

Sheriff Matt Gentry said the sheriff’s office will be out in force through the weekend, patrolling area roadways and monitoring activity at Smith Lake.

“We’ll be stepping up our local patrols, both on the road and at the lake,” he said. “We want to make sure we’re visible in the community. The biggest thing we want people to bear in mind is to be responsible, use common sense, and don’t drink and then get out on the road — either this weekend, or any other time.”

Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper said the Memorial Day weekend typically doesn’t pose the sort of public safety issues that can arise when other celebratory dates on the holiday calendar roll around.

“Memorial Day is traditionally pretty quiet for us. It’s not like a Halloween, or a New Year’s Eve, or other occasions when there’s that much partying going on,” he said. “It’s really more that typical pre-summer holiday when people might be making their first trip down to the lake just to be getting outside.

“But we certainly urge people to be responsible and have a good time this weekend. Do be careful of other drivers, and of course, don’t drink and drive yourself.”

 

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext. 145.