Entries by Katie Holt

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

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

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

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

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

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

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) […]

Alabama’s First IKEA Opening Wednesday: What to Expect

/in , , , , , , , , , /by

Opening Day Details: Doors open at 10:00 a.m. Customers can start lining up at 7:00 a.m., with product giveaways (IKEA products and gift cards) starting at 8:00 a.m. The IKEA Swedish Bistro will offer the store’s famous meatballs, hot dogs, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and more! Other various Swedish snacks and treats (even frozen meatballs) will […]

City Barbeque Opens First Alabama Location in South Huntsville, Has Plans to Expand Locally

/in , , , , , , /by

Barbeque is a cornerstone of Alabama’s culinary identity, and a growing national chain, City Barbeque, is betting on Huntsville for its first location in the state. That was evident as the eatery’s parking lot remained full several days after its official soft opening on Monday, Feb. 9, in south Huntsville. David Steiger, City Barbeque’s regional […]

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt gives 2026 legislative update in Huntsville, shares timeline for Space Command relocation

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

On Friday, Feb. 13, Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt spoke to a sold-out crowd at the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber’s 2026 D.C. Legislative Update luncheon. During her address, she discussed judicial nominations, U.S. Space Command, legislative achievements, appropriations, funding for North Alabama, and various policy initiatives. During her speech, Britt addressed the 2025 government shutdown, which […]

Huntsville City Council approves $6 Billion Eli Lilly Development Agreement, also moves toward first phase of Skybridge Project

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

The Huntsville City Council met on Thursday, February 12, for its regularly scheduled meeting and during that time, made major progress toward two developments that will likely change the face of the city for the foreseeable future. During the meeting, the council voted to approve the $6 billion development agreement with Eli Lilly and Company, […]

Kate’s Creations to open downtown storefront, launching box with items made by Huntsville small businesses

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

Kate’s Creations is a Huntsville-based small business that offers custom-designed Huntsville and reader-specific merchandise. The company’s owner and founder, Kaitlin (Kate) McConnell is a local resident who enjoys creating stickers, tote bags, shirts, magnetic bookmarks, and other fun creations. McConnell is launching something new to the area, The Huntsville Creators Club Box. This box is […]

Madison County Commission Chairman talks upcoming retirement, public service, says county is successful thanks to collaborative leadership

/in , , , , , , , , , , /by

Few Madison County residents have had as dedicated and wide-ranging a career in public service as Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon. Born and raised on a farm in Toney, McCutcheon is a United States Army veteran who has served as a law enforcement officer, Alabama State Representative for District 25, farmer, and associate pastor. […]

WellStone celebrates first successful year of 24/7 pediatric emergency services unit, thanks supporters

/in , , , , , , , , , , , , , /by

In September 2024, WellStone, North Alabama’s largest and most comprehensive mental healthcare provider, and a 501(c)3 nonprofit, opened the state’s first 24/7 pediatric psychiatric unit. Since then, the 24-bed, 12,000-square-foot crisis care center for individuals aged 12-18 has served 400 individuals. In the spring of 2021, WellStone’s Be the Rock capital campaign was launched to […]