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Tennessee Valley News Update Week in Review 12/13/2024

Catch up on the biggest news about people, places, events and activities happening in Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley
Catch up on the biggest news about people, places, events and activities happening in Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley

Catch up on the week's biggest stories about people, places, events and activities happening in Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley.

A hearing has been set for Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by two Belle Mina churches against the developers of a quarry in their community. Limestone County Circuit Judge Matthew Huggins set the hearing for 1:30 p.m. AL.com reports New Beginnings Covenant Ministries and Belle Mina Methodist are seeking a temporary injunction to halt the construction of the quarry being built off Mooresville Road. The two churches, who are represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, are suing Stoned LLC, of Huntsville, and Grayson Carter & Son, Inc, of Athens. The developers are being sued for the harmful and unreasonable interference the construction and operation the companies’ limestone quarry and rock crushing facility will have on the community’s quality of life.

Officials from Redstone Arsenal, the Army, NASA, and the FBI gathered at the Von Braun Center Wednesday morning for the annual Redstone update. During the meeting, officials announced that Redstone Arsenal is partnering with the Alabama Department of Transportation, the city of Huntsville, and the Federal Highway Administration to open a new gate off I-565 near Cabela’s. They’re hoping to eliminate traffic buildup by gate 9. WAFF TV reports leaders also announced a new app called “My Army Post.” The app can be used to plan visits to the arsenal, learn more about childcare, fitness, dining, and look up emergency phone numbers. It’s free to download on the App Store and Google Play.

Officials broke ground this week on a new a psychiatric facility in Morgan County. The Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama will build the new crisis residential unit on Highway 31 South between Decatur and Hartselle. Rocket City Now reports the unit will specifically serve individuals committed by a probate judge, offering a dedicated space for comprehensive psychiatric care. It will open its doors to patients in October 2025.

The Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama opened the Athens-Limestone Youth Counseling Clinic this week. The Decatur Daily reports the outpatient clinic, located on E. Elm St. in Athens, will see children ages 4 to 18 with serious emotional disturbances, major depression, anxiety disorders, conduct disorders and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders.

Beginning Monday December 16th at 9 AM, the left turn lanes on North Memorial Parkway at Mastin Lake Road in Huntsville will be closed for overpass bridge construction. Northbound traffic for Mastin Lake westbound must continue north to a crossover to turn around. Traffic heading south for eastbound Mastin Lake Road must continue south and either U-turn at the Sparkman Drive overpass or take U.S. 72 East to Mastin Lake Road. The Alabama Department of Transportation says the closure will remain in place for several months.

The Huntsville City Council approved a resolution last week to form an Energy Task Force that will create a Community Energy Resource Plan. According to City officials, the city’s rapidly changing energy environment prompted the City of Huntsville and Huntsville Utilities to establish a task force to develop a “forward-looking approach to energy planning.” Huntsville Blast reports the group will look at future power needs and increased demand, identify potential changes and opportunities and examine how Huntsville Utilities works within the TVA system. Members will be appointed by Mayor Tommy Battle, the City Council, Huntsville Utilities and the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber of Commerce.

This holiday season, Huntsville Animal Services invites the community to bring home Santa’s little helper by adopting or fostering a pet in need. From now through Dec. 24, adoption fees will be waived on most adult dogs. In a news item from the city, John Fischer, Director of Huntsville Animal Services says that adopting or fostering a pet during the holidays is a meaningful way to bring joy into your home and fostering, even for a short time, can also make a huge difference in the lives of these animals. More information is available here.