🌱 Huntsville Utilities Requests Rate Hike + Ex-HPD Officer Retrial

Hey, everybody! I'm back with your new edition of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Near-record heat. High: 98 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. Huntsville Utilities has officially requested members of the city council to vote on a water rate increase. According to Huntsville Utilities, the 35 percent increase is necessary to maintain the city's water infrastructure and account for the rising cost of materials and labor. The increase would add an estimated $6.40 to an average household water bill each month. In order for the increase to be approved, a majority of city council members need to vote in favor of the new rate. (WHNT)
2. The retrial of a former Huntsville police officer convicted of murder in 2021 has been set for December 2023. William Darby served one year of a 25-year sentence for the shooting death of Jeffery Parker before the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals overturned his conviction earlier this year on the basis that the judge had not instructed the jury to consider whether Darby's use of force was reasonable. Jeffery Parker was suicidal and experiencing a mental health crisis at the time he was shot. The Madison County District Attorney is confident that the evidence will lead to another conviction, however, Darby maintains that he acted in accordance with his training. (WAAY)
3. The Fall Home + Garden Show is taking place at the Von Braun Center today and tomorrow. This event features over 100 vendors to help you with your home improvement or outdoor projects. There will also be opportunities to talk to experts from Indian Creek Wholesale Nursery, as well as a Family Fun Zone and pet adoptions. Click here to learn more or find tickets. (WAFF)

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Today in Huntsville:

Saturday, August 26

• The Mom Walk Collective At Big Spring Park (9:00 AM)
• Valerie Fraser Luesse: Book Signing Event At Harrison Brothers Hardware (11:00 AM)
• Katherine Blanford At Stand Up Live (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Arts Huntsville will be hosting an Artist Mixer + Quarterly Meetup at the Merrimack Hall Performing Arts Center on Sep. 10 from 2:00-5:00 p.m. to celebrate Huntsville Music Month. Click here to RSVP. (Arts Huntsville via Facebook)
• Today, Aug. 26, the BLOK 23 Music, Arts, & Entertainment Festival is happening at Bud Cramer Park. This free and family-friendly event will run from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and is a celebration of all things hip-hop. (Huntsville Music Office via Facebook)
• Fall classes are starting soon at the Huntsville Museum of Art! Click here to see the full class schedule or sign up. (Huntsville Museum of Art via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (August 29)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll catch up with you soon with your next 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.