🌱 Books Moved At Huntsville Libraries + Court Rules In 2019 Arrest

Good morning, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Let's get this Friday started off right with a quick dive into the most important things going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and remaining warm. High: 89 Low: 62.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. The executive director at Huntsville Madison County Public Libraries recently issued a directive to move books that concerned some library staff members. Library branches received a list of over 200 children's books from Executive Director Cindy Hewitt that staff members were directed to move into the adult nonfiction section. Circulation Manager Alyx Kim-Yohn discovered that the books were flagged for relocation due to discussions of LGBTQ+ themes. However, at least one book was caught up in the sweep because the author's last name is "Gay." Some Huntsville libraries have finished moving the books, but the department says it has paused the relocation while they receive feedback from the community. (Alabama Political Reporter)
2. The United States 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that two Huntsville police officers will not have qualified immunity as they face a lawsuit stemming from a 2019 false arrest. Roland Edger claimed that he was held unlawfully by two officers, however, his case was dismissed in 2021. That decision was reversed with the 11th Circuit Court's ruling, which was based on the reasoning that Edgar's failure to produce a driver's license was not justification for his arrest. The court's final ruling states that Edgar's constitutional rights were violated when he was arrested without probable cause. (1819 News)
3. The Huntsville Police Department is asking for assistance as they search for a man they believe is connected to a shooting. The incident occurred at a gas station on Jordan Lane. Two men were arguing, and one followed the victim home and blocked his car from leaving. Two suspects exited the vehicle and one of them fired several shots into the victim's car with what police believe may have been an AK-47. The victim was uninjured, and the suspects fled. If you have any information, police ask that you call 53-CRIME. (WAFF)

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Today in Huntsville:

Friday, September 29

• Oakwood Farmers Market At 5001 Adventist Boulevard (12:00 PM)
• Jenny's Mix Tape: A Tribute To 90s Music At Furniture Factory Bar & Grill (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The International Festival of North Alabama is returning to Huntsville on Saturday, Oct. 21. This event will take place in John Hunt Park from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. (Arts Huntsville via Facebook)
• Fern Bell Recreation Center offers an Adventure Guides program for fathers and their children. This program meets on the first Monday of each month from 6:30-7:30 p.m. for outdoor activities. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• The Downtown Rescue Mission is in need of donations to restock its food pantry. Donations of nonperishable food items such as peanut butter, boxed mac and cheese, and canned goods can be dropped off at their location at 1400 Evangel Drive. (Huntsville/Madison County Chamber via Facebook)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with another update!

— Joyce Nash

About me: Joyce is a freelance writer and poet whose work has appeared in the Hello Gloria newsletter and Nine Cloud Journal. Her background ranges from journalism to fitness instruction and spans the east coast to the West. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her husband and two cats.