Welcome aboard, Marshall County.

Huntsville continues to add to its ongoing expansion across North Alabama with its latest annexation – a 1,013.96 acre tract of land south of the Tennessee River lying primarily along McCutcheon Loop Road in Morgan County, with a smaller portion extending along Vaughn Road in Marshall County.

With an approval by the Huntsville City Council at its latest regular meeting Thursday, the Rocket City now occupies four counties – Madison, Morgan, Limestone and now Marshall.

District 3 Councilwoman Jennie Robinson called the move, requested by Wiz Kidz LLC and Hollingshead Material LLC, a boon for Huntsville. Hollingshead operates Smyrna Ready Mix (SRM) Concrete LLC.

The companies requesting the annexation will contribute tax revenue and provide in-kind materials for repairs to city roads they regularly use for access to the SRM quarry. They are not seeking city services, and since the land is not intended for residential development, there will be no impact on school enrollment.

The annexation is also expected to help protect riverfront property and nearby residents through increased city oversight of the quarry operations.

“It doesn’t sound like they’re getting a whole lot out of this. It’s a win-win,’’ Robinson said. “I mean, they’re giving us a lot of good things, but why would they want to do it?’’

Thomas Nunez, the city’s planning services manager, said the companies simply wish to be good stewards.

“They want to be in keeping with the growth patterns of Huntsville, but not be an impact in any way that is detrimental to those that are already within the area,’’ he said. “And considering that they are using those (public city) roads, they can’t just dedicate money directly to the city.

“They’re currently crossing the Tennessee River to come into Huntsville, and they want to continue to make sure that they’re making an investment as they have a long term plan overall as they continue to grow. We also believe that the (tax) revenue will grow as well.’’

Hornbuckle remembered

A city employee was killed and two others injured during a wreck in Marshall County earlier this month.

“This has been a difficult week for the City of Huntsville,’’ Mayor Tommy Battle said during the comments portion. “July 1, three of our public works employees were involved in a tragic accident during the Sunday downpour. We lost Hank Hornbuckle, a devoted public servant, husband, father, and friend. Our hearts go out to his wife, Katie, and their family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.

“Donnie Dowdy and Public Works Director Chris McNeese were also injured. We’re thankful they’re expected to recover and we look forward to welcoming them back when they’re ready.’’

Both have been released from the hospital.

The Huntsville Hero

Kling gave a shout out to constituent Erick Wade who, along with his fraternal lodge brothers, cleaned a back alley in District 4 that needed attention. In a story on ceoweekly.com, Wade is portrayed as a comic book-like figure with the sobriquet “Huntsville Hero.’’

The crew cleared an area where debris was blocking a parking lot entrance, among other things, and Kling said, “That work is very much appreciated.’’

According to the online piece, Wade received three Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from President Joe Biden, along with a commendation letter from the White House. He’s also received the Masonic Hiram Abiff Award, which recognizes dedication and service to their lodge and the fraternity, from Temple Lodge 98 of Huntsville.

Board appointments

* A resolution was passed appointing Rose Allen as 1st Director to the Solid Waste Disposal Authority, filling the vacancy left by the passing of James Splawn. She will serve the remainder of the four-year term, which expires on January 1, 2027.

* Another resolution passed appointing Barbara Hughes to the Human Relations Commission, Place 4, to fill a vacancy due to resignation of Cheryl Birney for the remainder of a vacant four-year term to expire Sept. 22, 2026.

Special recognition

* A presentation sponsored by District 4 Councilman Bill Kling acknowledging the highest bidder for an item at the 52nd Crescen-Dough Auction, Jennifer Lapidus. The event is a fundraiser for the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

Lapidus was given a certificate signed by the mayor and council and, Kling said, to honor her as “an honorary member of the Huntsville City Council.’’

Presentation

A resolution honoring the 70th anniversary of Burritt on the Mountain Museum passed. District 2 Councilman David Little presented Melanie Thompson, CEO at Burritt Museum, with the resolution.

Little said the resolution “covers how Dr. Burritt donated the land at the time of his death, and it’s just a wonderful feature of our great city.’’