Entries by Katie Holt

From family project to flourishing farm: 1818 Farms grows in North Alabama

In 2012, Natasha McCrary launched 1818 Farms as a small family project.  The idea was simple: teach her children about responsibility and entrepreneurship through a hands-on experience. That idea quickly evolved. What began as a request from her son for a sheep has grown into a nationally-recognized brand rooted in nature, sustainability, and community connection. […]

Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville directs $19M into North Alabama, calls for strategic giving in 2026

The Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville highlighted its growing impact across North Alabama during its second annual State of the Community Foundation event at the Jackson Center on Thursday, March 26.  Melissa Thompson, CEO and president of the Community Foundation of Greater Huntsville, said the foundation continues to manage a growing pool of charitable assets. […]

Sit Down with Success: A Conversation with Teresa Holland of DanTera & Terra Bacio Salons

In the early 1990s, Teresa Holland introduced the Aveda concept to North Alabama, laying the foundation for three thriving salons under the Terra Bacio and DanTera brands. Over more than three decades, Holland’s role has evolved from working behind the chair to leading from the executive level. Today, her focus is on growing people as […]

Huntsville Utilities explains spike in winter bills, citing cold weather, system demand and TVA costs

Rising winter utility bills drew concerned residents to a Huntsville City Council meeting on Thursday, March 26. During a scheduled presentation that evening, Huntsville Utilities CEO Wes Kelley outlined the factors behind the increase that has caused significant public concern.  At the meeting on Thursday, March 26, Kelley stated that in January and February, the […]

Barracuda Taco Stand opens first Alabama location in Huntsville with street-style tacos and outdoor dining

Barracuda Taco Stand, Huntsville’s newest neighborhood hangout and margarita garden, officially opened to the public on Sunday, March 22. The restaurant marks the brand’s first location in Alabama, joining existing locations in Louisiana and Mississippi. Located in Huntsville, the fast-casual concept offers a flexible dining experience designed to serve a wide range of customers throughout […]

Sen. Tommy Tuberville visits Huntsville, discusses Iran war and North Alabama’s growing role in defense

Speaking at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Washington Update Breakfast on March 9, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville discussed a wide range of topics, focusing on both North Alabama and the nation at large. During his speech at the Von Braun Center, Tuberville acknowledged the Iran War, Huntsville’s role in the conflict, U.S. Space […]

HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology highlights breakthrough research in diabetes, Huntington’s disease

The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology recently hosted its “Recent Genomics and Biotech Discoveries” event. At the presentation on Feb. 24 at the Jackson Center, attendees heard about groundbreaking discoveries in human health and agriculture. HudsonAlpha Vice President for Educational Outreach Kelly East and Madeline Loftin, the institute’s director of educator professional learning, walked the crowd […]

Huntsville City Schools presents 10-year capital plan, receives $5 million dollars from area economic development districts

Huntsville City Schools’ $600 million, 10-year capital plan was presented at the Huntsville City Council Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 26.  Huntsville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Clarence Sutton, the school district’s financial officer Dustin Daehn, and City Finance Director Penny Smith presented details of the plan to council members. Sutton said the capital plan is integral […]

Huntsville Botanical Garden breaks ground on INTUITIVE science complex, makes way for community STEM education

The Huntsville Botanical Garden officially broke ground on construction of the INTUITIVE Plant Science Complex (IPSC) on Tuesday, February 24. During a ceremony to mark the project’s start, local leaders gathered at the garden to celebrate and offer words of encouragement for the initiative. The complex is expected to increase plant production by more than […]

2026 Huntsville/Madison State of the Schools: leaders celebrate academic milestones, encourage workforce development

The Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce held its 2026 State of the Schools breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Jackson Center. The event drew a packed room of business leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to discuss the connection between public education, workforce development, and economic growth. Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE) […]