🌱 Man Pleads Guilty To 2017 Shooting + Free Downtown Walking Tour

Hey, friends. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Huntsville Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon shower in spots. High: 69 Low: 58.

Here's to the great local businesses who sponsor this newsletter. Check out what they can do for you:

• Martinson & Beason, P.C. have been been providing trusted legal advice in Huntsville since 1937. Give your loved ones peace of mind with a comprehensive estate plan. Click here for more info.

• Do you have a business to run? The High Tech Solution is here to help! They're a local firm that provides IT support for businesses in Huntsville. With 25 years of experience in the IT industry, they can handle all aspects of your network infrastructure — from server installation and support to everyday user services. They also offer online security and monitoring so you can spend more time growing your business. Visit here to learn more, or email Jeff and ask about a free technology assessment.

Want to see your business featured in this spot? Click here to get started.

Here are the top three stories in Huntsville today:

1. A man from New Market has pled guilty to the 2017 shooting that resulted in the deaths of two Huntsville women. Otis Preston Mayes, 32, received two life sentences without parole. Police said at the time of his arrest, Mayes shot Mary Blevins, 77, then walked to the home of Nancy Louise Young, 59, where he shot her and fled in her vehicle. Investigators believe Mayes initially shot Blevins over $100 and some prescription pills. (AL.com)
2. A Huntsville mail carrier was robbed at gunpoint on Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex off Martin Road. A spokesperson for USPS said the carrier is "shaken up but is, thankfully, otherwise unharmed." The Huntsville Police Department is still searching for a suspect, and anyone with information is encouraged to call the USPIS hotline at (877) 876-2455. (WHNT)
3. The Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission is celebrating Historic Preservation Month with a free guided walking tour today! This event will begin at the First National Bank at West Side Square at 6 p.m. The tour will be led by City Preservation Planner Katie Stamps and will cover the history of Huntsville from its early settlement through the Space Race. If you can't make it today, there will be another tour on May 20. (Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission via Facebook)

From our sponsor:

Today’s Huntsville Patch newsletter is brought to you in part by T-Mobile. T-Mobile has invested billions to light up their best network ever, covering 99% of people in America with LTE, which helps to keep communities like ours informed and connected. We thank T-Mobile for their support and for making today’s Huntsville Patch newsletter possible.

Today in Huntsville:

• Cinco De Mayo - The Wine Cellar (6:00 PM)
• Live Music - CO/OP Community Table + Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• PorchFest FivePoints has announced the lineup for tomorrow's event! PorchFest will bring live music to five different porches along Pratt Avenue from 5-9 p.m. Visit this link to learn more. (PorchFest FivePoints via Facebook)
• Huntsville Parks and Recreation has a few ways for you to get moving tomorrow. You can ride a bike with Mayor Tommy Battle at 11 a.m. on Church Street, join Fitness in the Park at Big Spring Park, or Rec and Connect in the afternoon at Bridge Street Town Center. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)
• Registration is now open for this summer's competitive pickleball leagues hosted by Huntsville Parks and Recreation. League options include mixed doubles, men's doubles, women's doubles, as well as a general league. To register, call (256) 851-4010. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! I'll be back in your inbox soon with a new 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.