Gov. Kay Ivey and other local and state dignitaries cut the ribbon on WellStone Emergency Services’ new Pediatric Unit on south Memorial Parkway this week. When it begins taking patients this month, the 24-bed facility will be the first 24/7 standalone crisis care center for children in Alabama. Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell tells AL.com under Ivey’s tenure, her department has seen a $102 million general fund increase for behavioral health services. She called that figure the largest investment in the department’s history.
A fire destroyed parts of a large homeless encampment in Huntsville this week. City officials said there were no injuries or deaths resulting from the fire at the encampment on Derrick Street, the only approved place for the homeless to set up tents. Dan Wilkerson, the Huntsville fire marshal, tells AL.com evidence indicates that two individuals got into an argument, which culminated with a tent being set on fire. He added in an email there were no explosive devices or propane tanks involved. Nonprofit organizations working with the homeless say many people have shown increased support for residents of the encampment. Huntsville’s community development department encourages people to bring donations to First Stop, located at 206 Stokes St., and not directly to the camp.
Following the failure of a bid to maintain its current animal shelter, Limestone County appointed a veterinarian as consultant as it pursues plans to run its own facility. Limestone County officials hope the move will reduce costs. AL.com reports the county commission approved Jessica Tully, a Madison-based veterinarian, as a consultant for the new facility it plans to start operating next month. The agreement states that Tully would facilitate the training of Limestone County staff to perform euthanasia as Certified Euthanasia Technicians. She would receive additional pay for “any time spent assisting classroom or practical training.”
The I-565 widening project to expand the interstate spur to six lanes through Madison will likely begin next week. The project stretches from west of County Line Road to east of Wall Triana Highway. It includes adding a third lane on each roadway and widening two sets of bridges. The contractor plans to begin work Sunday evening. Drivers can expect lane closures between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., Sunday nights through Friday mornings. Construction is anticipated to take about two years.
CBRE, a global commercial real estate services and investment firm based in Dallas, named Huntsville No. 1 in its latest ranking of emerging markets for tech talent. The up-and-coming markets were identified by factors like talent supply, wages and growth rates among talent in the sector. AL.com notes this is the third year in a row that Huntsville led CBRE’s up-and-coming list. Alabama was one of only two states with multiple cities on CBRE’s list. Birmingham came in at No. 18.
Motorcyclists from across the Southeast will gather on Saturday, Sept. 21, for the 31st annual Trail of Tears Commemorative Motorcycle Ride. The scenic journey across northern Alabama honors Native Americans. The ride will start in Bridgeport in northeast Jackson county and travel to Waterloo in northwest Lauderdale county. Expect traffic delays as the ride travels through various intersections, which will be blocked to ensure safe travel for the riders. WZDX news reports event organizers are expecting up to 10,000 riders to participate. Drivers should expect delays from 9 a.m. until noon on major roadways and Interstate 565.