🌱 Huntsville Man Pleads Guilty To Murder + Kick Cancer Chili Cookoff

Good morning, Huntsville! I'm Sean Peek, and I'll be your new temporary source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town.

Also, FYI: 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, your local weather:

• Tuesday: Sun and clouds. High: 71 Low: 44.
• Wednesday: A thunderstorm in the p.m. High: 59 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. Jaylon McKinnley Draper, a 23-year-old man from Huntsville, has pleaded guilty to murder in connection with the 2019 shooting death of then-19-year-old Samantha Coyner. Draper was originally charged with capital murder and has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. At the time of the incident, police believed Coyner's death was the result of a failed drug deal, and Draper was arrested alongside another man, Joseph Earls. (AL.com)
2. Alliance Cancer Care's first "Kick Cancer" Chili Cookoff took place at the Clearview Cancer Institute in Huntsville on Saturday. Proceeds from the event benefited the Jeanne Shepherd Fund, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients for basic needs (such as housing, transportation, and medication) during treatment. Those who attended the cookoff sampled plenty of delicious chili dishes and voted for the best recipe. The winner received $1,500. (WHNT News 19)
3. The Huntsville Police Citizens Advisory Council (HPCAC) will host a community forum with the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) on Tuesday, Mar. 14 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss tips for handling police encounters. The event will include roundtable discussions with the public, HPD officers, and members of the HPCAC to promote productive police and community interaction and foster mutual trust. According to HPCAC Chair Jonathan Rossow, the forum offers community members the chance to participate in thoughtful dialogue with police and provide feedback for future operations. (WZDX)

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Today and tomorrow in Huntsville:

Tuesday, March 7

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week Across Huntsville (8:30 AM)
• Stroller Tuesdays At Huntsville Botanical Garden (9:00 AM)

Wednesday, March 8

• Groundbreaking: J.H. Berry & Gilbert, Inc. At Huntsville Logistics Center (11:00 AM)
• Kids Eat Free - Wednesdays At El Coyote (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for some family-friendly Easter fun? Hop on over to John Hunt Park on Saturday, Apr. 1 from 9 to 11 a.m. for Huntsville Parks and Recreation's second annual Eggstravaganza, designed for children aged 12 and under. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• Heads up, house hunters: five new properties have just hit the Huntsville real estate market, including a five-bedroom/two-bathroom on a quiet cul de sac on Rileys Pass. (Huntsville Patch)
• A Huntsville company has been awarded a $271 million contract with NASA. PCI Productions, a support services firm, will be responsible for managing communication services across the prestigious space agency. (Yellowhammer News)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (March 7)
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Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.