🌱 Huntsville Utilities To Raise Water Rates + SAIC STEM Scholarships

Welcome back, Huntsville! I'm here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Clearing, a t-storm; humid. High: 89 Low: 71.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. This week, Huntsville city council members held a first reading for a proposal allowing Huntsville Utilities to raise water rates by 35 percent. A Utilities spokesperson said the proposal is due to high growth in the area and the the high cost of materials and business due to inflation. It has been seven years since the last hike in water rates. (WAFF)
2. Alabama Health Inspectors announced that unsanitary drink nozzles and ice machines were the most common violations found across North Alabama this week. Other violations included food temperature control issues and lack of sanitizer in dishwashers, but the issues were resolved when inspectors returned later in the week. To find out more, you can read specific report info for Madison County online. (WAFF)
3. Alabama A&M received $100,000 in scholarship funds from a local technology integrator Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC). The funds were given as part of the company's STEM Stars Program, and will be split in half to fund two students’ future careers in STEM. The scholarships will allow local students to pursue their dreams of becoming engineers. (WAFF)

Calling Huntsville business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today in Huntsville:

Saturday, August 12

• Butterfly Release At Huntsville Botanical Garden (10:00 AM)
• Shakespeare In The Garden: Henry V At Huntsville Botanical Garden (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Phone scams are everywhere — but did you know that 205 is the top area code for scam calls in Alabama? Visit the link for more statistics on phone scams in Alabama and across the United States. (BeenVerified)
• Registration is now open for the new High Point Climbing and Fitness season of clubs and climbing teams. The gym offers multiple youth programs for ages six to 16 throughout the day to fit a variety of schedules—click the link to learn more. (Family Fun In Huntsville, AL via Instagram)
• Performance dates have been announced for this year's Rocket City Playwrights’ Series: Sep. 1-2 at 7:00 p.m. Click the link for more info. (Theatre Huntsville via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (August 15)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 18)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— 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.