🌱 Proposed Water Rate Increase + Man Indicted For 2019 Shooting

Hello, everybody. I'm here with your fresh copy of the Huntsville Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 80 Low: 61.

Here are the top three stories today in Huntsville:

1. Customers of Huntsville Utilities may soon see a 35 percent increase in their current water rates. Huntsville city council President John Meredith is inviting residents to weigh in on the proposed rate increase at a city council meeting on Aug. 24, where officials from Huntsville Utilities will be present to explain the proposed changes. Huntsville Utilities Community Relations Director Joe Gehrdes explained that the rate increase is needed to account for inflation and rapid growth in the Huntsville area. Under the proposed change, the average customer that does not use sprinklers would see their bill increase by $6.34 each month. (AL.com)
2. A man has been indicted for murder in a 2019 shooting incident that occurred in a van full of coworkers traveling on I-565. Justin Daniel Watts has been accused of fatally shooting Martez Jermain Haynes, 34, while they were both seated in the backseat of a van. Other passengers in the van reported that there was no argument or altercation that led to the shooting. Watts reportedly told officers at the scene that he had shot Haynes and wanted a lawyer, although Watts also claimed that Haynes had shot himself. A jury trial for Watts is set to begin on Jan. 22, 2024. (WHNT)
3. The Madison County Department of Human Resources A-RESET Program is hosting a resource and career fair today, Aug. 16. This event will be held at the Jaycee Building at John Hunt Park from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be over 50 vendors at the event, including large employers, representatives from adult educational programs, and more. (WAFF)

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Today in Huntsville:

Wednesday, August 16

• Wednesday Open Art Journaling Studio At Studio 127-A Conservatory For Creativity (1:00 PM)
• Speedway Sunset Cruise At Sunset Bicycles (6:00 PM)
• Music On The Patio Featuring Brandon Elder At Grimaldi's (7:00 PM)

From our partner:

Do you know an outstanding community leader in Huntsville? Nominate them here for a chance to be featured on Patch!

From my notebook:

• The Champion Soccer Complex located at John Hunt Park has been renamed the Loretta P. Spencer Sports Complex. The city council made this decision to honor former Huntsville mayor and sports enthusiast, Loretta Spencer. (City of Huntsville, Alabama - Government via Facebook)
• The Huntsville Botanical Garden is celebrating Restaurant Week with a Citrus Soy Salmon Salad. This dish features a mix of fresh herbs, watermelon, and fried leeks and is available every day this week. (Huntsville Botanical Garden via Facebook)
• On Monday, Aug. 21, registration for the 2023-24 Male Mentorship Program will open. This program is for boys ages 7-17 and offers mentorship, activities, and support for boys and young men. Click here to learn more. (Huntsville Parks and Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 18)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday off right! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another 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.