🌱 Man Turns Himself In After Fatal Crash + Hurricane Research At UAH

Good morning, friends. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Huntsville Patch newsletter. Let's get this Tuesday started off right, with a quick guide to the most important things happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

A stray afternoon t-shower. High: 88 Low: 65.

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Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. A man has turned himself in following a fatal, seven-vehicle wreck on Saturday in Huntsville. Joshua Taylor Payne, 30, turned himself in on Sunday afternoon, according to the Huntsville Police Department (HPD). Five people were injured in the crash and Jackie Jones, 57, was killed. He has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident with a death or serious injury, and HPD said that more charges are expected. Payne is being held on a $15,000 bond at the Madison County Jail. (WHNT)
2. Hurricane Season officially began on Jun. 1, and scientists with the University of Alabama in Huntsville's Department of Atmospheric and Earth Science are making preparations to study the storms in order to improve predictions of hurricane intensity. Researchers are focusing on "near-surface localized wind gusts," which must be measured on the ground while in the path of a hurricane that is making landfall. This research could enable atmospheric scientists to make more accurate predictions about hurricanes and better inform the public about potential risks. (Huntsville Business Journal)
3. A man who was convicted as a teenager of capital murder has an opportunity for early release, according to the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. Jarrad Selattr Pearsall pleaded guilty in 2011 to capital murder and robbery and was sentenced to life in prison following the 2017 shooting death of Melvin Lovette, Jr. The shooting occurred when Pearsall was 16, when he and James Antoinette Williams, then 17, were attempting to rob a gas station. Williams fatally shot Lovette, although he claimed it was an accident. Pearsall has served 16 years of his sentence. (WHNT)

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Today in Huntsville:

• Firefly Garden Hike At Huntsville Botanical Garden (6:30 PM)
• Tap That Trivia Tuesdays At The Brass Tap (7:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• On Thursday, Jun. 8, the Huntsville Museum of Art is holding a Secret Society Scavenger Hunt during its $5 After 5 event. Participants can follow clues through different galleries. Registration is available here. (Huntsville Museum of Art via Facebook)
• Did you know that downtown Huntsville has a secret art trail? The Purple Cup Secret Art Trail includes everything from stained glass to murals. See the map for the art trail here. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• The Friends of the Library have announced an upcoming book sale! On Friday, Jun. 23, and Saturday, Jun. 24, you can find used books for 25 cents each at the Huntsville Madison County Public Library downtown. (Huntsville Madison County Public Library via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 6)
• Social Security Seminar at South Huntsville Public Library (June 12)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Tuesday! See you all tomorrow for 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.