🌱 EF-3 Tornado Aftermath + Body Found In Creek Identified

Hello, hello! I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's happening in town.

Also, FYI: I’m filling in temporarily to write your morning newsletters after Amy’s departure last week. But I wanted to let you know that Patch is looking for a local writer and entrepreneur to take the helm of the Huntsville Patch newsletter and make it their own. We want to pass the torch to someone truly local and in-the-know to write about Huntsville long-term. So if you’re interested in earning extra income while making this newsletter a more valuable resource for your neighbors, learn more and apply here.

But first, today's weather:

A morning shower or two. High: 65 Low: 57.

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Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. An EF-3 tornado tore through the Hazel Green area on Friday night into Saturday morning, leaving one woman dead and five others injured. According to the National Weather Service, the tornado developed in northern Madison County and southern Lincoln County, beginning west of Highway 431 and south of Elkwood Station Road. Emergency crews are assessing storm damage, and the Madison County Sheriff's Office is asking people to avoid the area of US Highway 231 and Lincoln Road. (WBRC)
2. The Decatur Police Department has identified a body found in Flint Creek as 18-year-old Michael Tremaine Forde-Clarke of Huntsville. Forde-Clark has been missing since last Monday following an armed robbery and high-speed chase. Police said that he was the passenger in a vehicle that drove into the creek during the chase. The driver of the car, 21-year-old Ismael Tariq Smith of Huntsville, has been charged with capital murder. (AL.com)
3. The Nerdettes, an all-girls community Tech Challenge team from the Huntsville and Owens Cross Roads area are spreading awareness about FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The team comprises girls ranging in age from middle school to high school, working together to operate a robot they have built. Ellen Vegerita, a Nerdettes member, said her favorite part about being on the team is being an example for a younger crowd and showing that science and technology are "cool and anyone can do it."(WZDX)

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Today in Huntsville:

• Whiz Kids Open Gym At Matrix Gym (9:15 AM)
• Monday Night Jazz At The Open Bottle (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The AUSA Global Force Symposium & Exposition welcomed Mayor Tommy Battle to the event at the Von Braun Center last Friday! Mayor Battle visited companies with a strong presence in Huntsville and was among over 5,500 people in attendance. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• The Huntsville Museum of Art Guild's annual fundraiser is coming up quickly on May 6. Enjoy live and silent auctions, an outdoor bourbon garden, live music, and more. Be sure to purchase tickets and wear your best hat! (Huntsville Museum of Art via Facebook)
• The Oakwood University Class of 2003 is celebrating 20 years with a career fair during Alumni Homecoming 2023! This event will provide information about career readiness, opportunities, and internships. (Oakwood University via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.