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Yahoo
02-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Armed Forces Celebration kicks off after proclamation signing in Madison County
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — A proclamation signing Monday morning officially kicked off the two-week-long Armed Forces Celebration in Madison County. Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley and Madison County Commission Chairman Mac McCutcheon all signed the proclamation recognizing June 1 through June 14 as the Armed Forces Celebration in the area. 'A chaotic mess': Vietnam Veterans reflect on war after 50 years 'It is an honor for me to be able to sign this proclamation here on behalf of the residents in Madison County,' McCutcheon said at the ceremony. 'Thank you to our military for what they do for us, not only here in Madison County, but in our country as a whole.' Key national military initiatives happen right in Madison County, making the area one of the largest armed forces populations in the state. 'When they need something, they call area code 256,' Huntsville/Madison County Chamber Military Affairs Committee Chair and Retired U.S. Army Major General Jim Myles said. 'The sacrifices and also what we do to protect our country is a national treasure.' Because of that large population, county officials find it fitting and necessary to hold two weeks full of events in their honor and to thank them. 'You're not a patient, you're a resident': State veteran-only nursing home provides resources, benefits 'Now we have this event where we're recognizing people on the Arsenal that are doing so much for our country,' Myles said. 'And it's about the community saying 'we know who you are and we appreciate who you are'.' U.S. Army Major General and U.S. Army Materiel Command Chief of Staff Kevin Meisler said those community connections are what encourage them and keep them going. 'When you have the support of the community around you, it makes you energized,' Meisler said. 'It gets you out there. You feel like 'hey, I could do anything'…I've never been to a community that's been more military-friendly in the entire world. I'm honestly truly honored to live in this area.' County leaders planned a plethora of events, catering to a wide range of interests and community involvement spanning the two-week period. MONDAY, June 2: Proclamation Signing, Veterans Memorial, 8 a.m. WEDNESDAY, June 4: Armed Forces Celebration Luncheon, VBC Saturn Ballroom, 12 p.m. THURSDAY, June 5: Team Redstone vs. Community Leaders Softball Game, Toyota Field, 6 p.m. THURSDAY, June 5: Business After Hours at Softball Game, Toyota Field, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. FRIDAY, June 6: Military Appreciation Night at Huntsville City FC, Wicks Family Field at Joe Davis Stadium, game starts at 7 p.m. SATURDAY, June 7: U.S. Army Birthday Celebration, Redstone Gateway, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. MONDAY, June 9: Concert in the Park and Fireworks, Big Spring Park, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. THURSDAY, June 12: Department of the Army Civilian Dinner, Jackson Center, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, June 14: AUSA Army 250th Birthday Ball, U.S. Space & Rocket Center Davidson Center, 6 p.m. While the county has hosted the Armed Forces Celebration for several years, it falls on the Army's 250th birthday during this year's events. Myles encourages everyone in the area to attend the events and celebrate alongside the Armed Forces personnel over the two weeks. 'It's not just coming out and saying, 'Thank you for your service, we appreciate it,'' Myles said. 'It's about coming and bringing your lawn chairs and sitting down in Big Spring Park, watching the music, and then watching the fireworks. Watch people jump out of airplanes and parachutes. And, it's about watching community leaders try to play softball against other people, trying to beat them a little bit, but having fun; recognizing all of us coming together.' For more details on the events or how to register, visit the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber's website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Daily Mail
26-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
East Coast hidden gem once named 'best place to live' sees locals selling their homes in droves
Huntsville, Alabama, once crowned the 'Best Place to Live' in the US, is seeing a surge in home listings as residents react to rising property values, congestion and rising cost of living. The city, known for its blend of Southern charm, affordability and booming job market, topped US News & World Report's 2022 rankings, but its appeal has waned as its rapid growth has fueled new frustrations for residents. 'We are the Star of Alabama for a reason,' Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said in 2022 after the city earned the top-ranked post. 'As more people discover what makes us the South's best-kept secret, we take pride in our diverse community's strength and authenticity. Great things are happening in Huntsville!' Yet, those same attractions are now pushing locals out. 'Rising concerns about career prospects, housing affordability and increased cost of goods and services are reflected in this year's rankings,' Erika Giovanetti of US News & World Report said, noting the prominent city's decline in recent years. 'While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans, a city's value and job market are becoming increasingly important.' Huntsville fell from its top-ranked spot in 2022 to a meager number seven in 2025 on the US News 'Best Places to Live' list. The 2024-2025 Best Places to Live were determined based on a methodology that takes into account the city's job market, value, quality of life and desirability, according to US News & World Report. The shift in rankings appears to be having a tangible impact on the local housing market, as reflected in recent sales and inventory data. 'Sales are up 8.7 percent and inventory has jumped 46.3 percent,' Huntsville-based Realtor Matt Curtis told The trend mirrors a broader statewide shift, according to the Alabama Association of Realtors. 'The Alabama residential real estate market continues to acclimate to a more traditional mortgage rate environment,' economist David Hughes, of Alabama Realtors, said. 'Despite broader national economic uncertainties, specific indicators within Alabama suggest a strengthening housing market that is poised for growth.' A March 2025 report from Matt Curtis Real Estate found home values in Huntsville rose nearly 15 percent in a year, pushing first-time buyers and long-time residents to the brink. 'Over-inflated home pricing and one bedroom apartments for 2000 a month - please enlighten me how this doesn't suck?' one Reddit user claiming to be a Huntsville-native wrote. 'Locals are getting priced out of their homes while our state minimum wage hasn't changed.' 'I get the traffic complaints. It's for sure worse than it used to be,' another user said. 'Some people will rightly say that it's still not even remotely bad traffic compared to most cities, but that doesn't take away from the fact that it's worse now than it used to be.' Another added, 'It truly sucks now. Ready to head to the beach for good.' In the Huntsville market, which includes all of Madison County, home sales rose to 608 in March from 528 in February and 536 a year earlier, with 740 pending sales. While, median home prices climbed to $327,000 - up from $318,000 the month before, according to Listings also surged, with 2,530 homes on the market in March compared to 1,814 the year prior. Homes now sit an average of 58 days - up from 46. 'The number of days on the market is close to where it was pre-pandemic,' Ben Wales of Gateway Alabama Realty Group said.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Huntsville woman gets home repairs through National Community Development Week
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The City of Huntsville is celebrating National Community Development Week, highlighting the impact of federal housing programs in the city. Since 1986, National Community Development Week has spotlighted the power of partnership between cities, residents and federal programs to improve lives and uplift communities. The city is celebrating from April 21-25. 'Our Planet Our Power': Earth Day and clean energy in Alabama Huntsville's Home Rehabilitation Program gives essential repairs and upgrades to homes owned by low-to-moderate income residents, many of whom are seniors, individuals with disabilities or working families. It's funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program. 'This is a special time to recognize the meaningful work that often happens quietly, but powerfully, behind the scenes,' said Mayor Tommy Battle. 'These improvements aren't just about siding and shutters. They're about protecting the ability of legacy residents to remain in their homes.' The focus of this year's National Community Development Week is a home rehabilitation project for longtime resident Esther Hurt. She's been in Huntsville since 1979 and bought her Mount Vernon Road home in 1998. Over the years, Hurt's home has been a cherished gathering place for children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. 📲 to stay updated on the go. 📧 to have news sent to your inbox. Her home is receiving much-needed exterior upgrades, including new siding, soffit, aluminum fascia and shutters, to restore its appearance and ensure its longevity. 'That house has seen generations of her family, kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids — have all grown up within her walls. So it's only right that this house is taken care of because it has taken care of so many during the years,' Mayor Battle said. Community Development Manager Scott Erwin gave praise to the staff and volunteers who make these projects possible. 'This team's dedication is inspiring,' said Erwin. 'Their hard work strengthens our city one person and one project, at a time.' To learn more about Community Development's CDBG Home Rehabilitation Program, visit the City of Huntsville website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
